Traditional surrogacy is a form of assisted reproductive technology in which a woman carries and gives birth to a baby for another person or couple. The word “traditional” refers to the fact that the surrogate mother’s own egg is used, making her the biological mother of the child.
The History of Traditional Surrogacy
The concept of traditional surrogacy dates back to ancient times, with historical references appearing in religious texts and cultural traditions. One of the earliest and most notable mentions of surrogacy is found in the Bible, where Hagar, a servant of Sarah and Abraham, bore a child for the couple when Sarah was unable to conceive. This example shows that the idea of a woman carrying a child for someone else has existed for centuries, driven by the need to address infertility and ensure lineage continuity.
Surrogacy in the 1970s
Moving forward to the 20th century, the practice of surrogacy began to evolve with advancements in medical science and societal changes regarding family structures. The first recorded case of a formalized traditional surrogacy arrangement in the United States occurred in 1976, facilitated by Michigan lawyer Noel Keane. Keane is considered a pioneer in the surrogacy field, establishing one of the first surrogacy agencies and helping to create legal frameworks for these arrangements. During this time, surrogacy often relied solely on artificial insemination, where the surrogate mother’s egg was fertilized with sperm from the intended father.
Throughout the 1980s and beyond, traditional surrogacy agreements became more structured and grew in public awareness, often amidst heated ethical and legal debates. The infamous Baby M case in 1986 marked a significant turning point, highlighting the legal and emotional complexities involved. This case, in which a surrogate mother sought custody of the child she carried, resulted in widespread legal scrutiny and the development of more regulated surrogacy practices.
Modern-Day Traditional Surrogacy
Today, traditional surrogacy, while still practiced, has become less common compared to gestational surrogacy due to its inherent legal and emotional challenges. Advances in reproductive technology now allow intended parents to use their own genetic material or donor eggs, reducing the surrogate’s biological connection to the child. Nonetheless, traditional surrogacy remains an important milestone in the history of assisted reproduction, illustrating how societies have adapted to address the profound challenges of infertility and evolving family dynamics.
What Does the Process for Traditional Surrogacy Look Like?
The process of traditional surrogacy begins with identifying and selecting a surrogate mother, who is typically matched with the intended parent(s) through an agency like Made in the USA Surrogacy or an independent arrangement. Once a surrogate is chosen, thorough medical and psychological evaluations are conducted to ensure that she is healthy and emotionally prepared for the surrogacy process. Legal agreements are then established to outline the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved, addressing aspects such as custody, financial compensation, and medical decisions. These contracts are crucial to protecting the interests of both the surrogate and the intended parent(s), given the complexities of traditional surrogacy arrangements.
Following the legal and preparatory steps, the surrogate undergoes artificial insemination using sperm from the intended father or a donor, resulting in the conception of the surrogate’s egg. Throughout the pregnancy, the surrogate typically receives prenatal care to ensure the health and well-being of both herself and the baby. The intended parent(s) are often involved during this time, maintaining clear communication and building a relationship with the surrogate. Once the baby is born, custody is transferred to the intended parent(s) in accordance with the legal agreement, though the exact process may vary depending on laws specific to the jurisdiction.
Legal Considerations
Unlike gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate mother has no genetic connection to the child, traditional surrogacy can lead to more complicated legal issues. In some jurisdictions, the surrogate mother may be considered the legal parent of the child, even if she is not biologically related. This can create challenges when determining parental rights and responsibilities within traditional surrogacy laws.
Emotional Impact
The emotional impact of traditional surrogacy can also be significant for all parties involved. The traditional surrogate mother may experience conflicting emotions as she carries a child that is genetically related to her, but will ultimately be given to the intended parents. On the other hand, the intended parents may feel a sense of detachment from their child during pregnancy and childbirth, which can lead to challenges in bonding with the child after birth.
Traditional Surrogacy With Made In The USA Surrogacy
At Made In The USA Surrogacy, we understand the complex emotions and ethical questions surrounding traditional surrogacy, and we strive to support both intended parents and surrogates through every step of this life-changing traditional surrogacy process. Our agency is dedicated to providing compassionate guidance and transparent communication to ensure that the needs and concerns of all parties are respected and addressed. By fostering trust and mutual understanding, we create an environment where surrogates and intended parents can work together toward achieving the dream of parenthood.
We are proud to be the best surrogacy agency in Northern California, offering personalized services to match intended parents with surrogates who align with their values and vision. Our rigorous screening processes and expert support ensure that everyone involved is fully informed, prepared, and supported throughout the surrogacy journey. With our experienced team by your side, you can trust that every aspect of the process will be handled with professionalism and care.
If you are considering traditional surrogacy, Made In The USA Surrogacy is here to help you take the next step with confidence. Whether you are an intended parent ready to grow your family or a woman interested in becoming a surrogate, we are committed to making your experience positive and rewarding. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in beginning your surrogacy journey. Together, we can make the dream of parenthood a reality.
Frequently Asked What is Traditional Surrogacy Questions
What is the difference between traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy?
The traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy process differ primarily in how the child is conceived and the surrogate’s genetic relationship to the child. Traditional surrogacy, or genetic surrogacy, involves the surrogate using her own egg, which is fertilized by the intended father’s sperm or donor sperm through artificial insemination. This means the surrogate has a genetic link to the baby. Gestational surrogacy, on the other hand, involves the use of an embryo that is created using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors. The embryo is then implanted into the surrogate’s uterus through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Because in a successful gestational surrogate pregnancy the surrogates do not use their own eggs, they are not genetically related to the child. Gestational surrogacy is the more commonly preferred option as it allows the intended parents to have a genetic connection to the baby, while traditional surrogacy is less frequently used due to legal and emotional complexities.
How are surrogates screened and selected?
Surrogates go through a comprehensive and thorough screening process to ensure that they are physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of carrying a pregnancy. This typically includes medical examinations to confirm physical health, specifically uterine health, and a strong obstetric history with no complications in previous pregnancies. Psychological evaluations are also conducted to determine whether the potential surrogate is emotionally prepared for the surrogacy experience and its outcomes. Additionally, surrogates must pass background checks, and their lifestyle is reviewed to ensure it aligns with the requirements for a healthy pregnancy. Made In The USA Surrogacy takes care to only work with women who meet these stringent criteria and who have the necessary support system in place. Our goal is to ensure a smooth and healthy process for both the surrogate and biological mother.
How is the legal process handled during surrogacy?
The legal process in surrogacy is a critical part of the arrangement, ensuring that all parties’ rights and responsibilities are clearly defined and upheld. This involves creating a detailed surrogacy agreement between the surrogate and the intended mother, with each party represented by independent legal counsel to avoid conflict of interest. This agreement outlines all aspects of the surrogacy arrangement, including financial compensation, medical procedures, responsibilities during the pregnancy, and the intended parents’ parental rights. Gestational surrogacy often includes a legal process called a “pre-birth order,” which establishes the intended parents as the child’s legal parents even before birth, instead of the gestational carriers. Made In The USA Surrogacy works with experienced legal professionals who specialize in surrogacy law to facilitate this process, ensuring transparency, fairness, and legal compliance every step of the way.
What costs are associated with surrogacy, and how are finances managed?
Surrogacy can involve significant costs due to the number of surrogacy professionals and services required to ensure a successful process. These costs typically include medical expenses (such as IVF procedures), compensation for the surrogate, legal fees, psychological screenings, agency fees, and necessary insurance coverage. At Made In The USA Surrogacy, we provide a clear breakdown of these costs upfront so that intended parents can plan accordingly. Financial arrangements are typically managed through an escrow account handled by a third-party provider to ensure transparency and proper allocation of funds. This protects both the intended parents and the surrogate, ensuring all agreed-upon expenses and compensation are managed efficiently and fairly throughout the surrogacy process.
What type of support do surrogates and intended parents receive during the surrogacy process?
At Made In The USA Surrogacy, we pride ourselves on offering continuous support to both surrogates and intended parents throughout the entire surrogacy experience. Our surrogates receive personalized guidance, including assistance with medical appointments, emotional support through counseling or support groups, and access to resources for a healthy pregnancy. Intended parents are likewise supported with updates on the pregnancy’s progress, help with coordinating medical and legal aspects, and emotional encouragement throughout the process. Both parties have access to our experienced team, who are available to answer questions, mediate conflicts, and ensure everything proceeds smoothly. This comprehensive support network helps reduce stress and fosters a positive, rewarding experience for everyone involved.
What happens after the baby is born in a surrogacy arrangement?
After the baby is born, the intended parents typically assume full custody and begin their new chapter of parenthood. The steps following the delivery depend on the type of surrogacy and the legal agreement already in place. With gestational surrogacy, the pre-birth or post-birth order ensures that the intended parents’ names are listed on the birth certificate, and they are recognized as the legal parents of the child. The surrogate will often have a brief recovery period in the hospital after childbirth and then return to her life, as planned. The intended parents will usually take the baby home shortly after delivery. Made In The USA Surrogacy ensures that all legal and logistical details are finalized well before the baby’s birth, providing a smooth transition for the intended parents while supporting the surrogate through her postpartum recovery.
Conclusion
If you are ready to begin your surrogacy journey or have questions about the process, Made In The USA Surrogacy is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can guide you every step of the way, ensuring a compassionate and seamless experience for surrogates and intended parents alike. Visit our website or call us to get started on creating the family of your dreams!