Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman carries a pregnancy for someone else. However, not all surrogacy is the same. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate uses her own egg and is the baby’s biological mother. On the other hand, in gestational surrogacy, embryos are created through IVF using eggs and sperm from the intended parents or donors. The surrogate has no genetic connection to the child.

For first-time intended parents, understanding these two approaches is an important step in making informed decisions. Both paths share the same goal: helping you grow your family. This is a clear, compassionate guide to help you navigate the differences, so you can decide which path is right for you and your family.

What is Traditional Surrogacy?

Before modern science allowed for the creation of embryos outside of the womb, traditional surrogacy was the only way to conceive with a surrogate mother. This type of surrogacy has been practiced the longest. In traditional surrogacy, also referred to as “full” or “genetic” surrogacy, the surrogate is the egg donor and is genetically related to the baby she is carrying. The surrogate becomes pregnant, utilizing sperm from the intended father or donor through a process called intrauterine insemination (IUI). The surrogate carries the baby to term and since she is the biological mother of the baby, she signs her parental rights away right after delivery of the baby to the intended parents, who become the legal guardians.

Because the surrogate is also the biological mother, this pathway introduces emotional and legal complexities that can be challenging to navigate. Today, traditional surrogacy is extremely rare. Most agencies no longer offer it, since it often places additional stress on everyone involved.

What is Gestational Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy is the path most intended parents take and the one most agencies recommend. In this arrangement, the surrogate (or gestational carrier) carries a child created through IVF with the use of the intended mother’s or donor’s egg(s) and the intended father’s or donor’s sperm. It is then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus at the fertility clinic. The surrogate does not have genetic ties to the baby she is carrying.

This approach provides greater clarity and peace of mind for everyone. For intended parents, it can mean having a biological connection to their child. For surrogates, it allows them to support your path to parenthood without the emotional and legal complexities of being genetically related.

Genetic Differences Between Surrogacy Types

The most significant difference between traditional and gestational surrogacy lies in genetics.

With traditional surrogacy, the surrogate provides her own egg. She is not only carrying the pregnancy but is also the child’s biological mother. Because of this dual role, traditional surrogacy often brings greater emotional complexity. The surrogate may feel a stronger personal bond with the baby, and questions of parentage can become more complicated for intended parents. These factors are a big reason why traditional surrogacy is now rare and not supported by most agencies.

On the other hand, with gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child she carries. The embryo is created using eggs and sperm from the intended parents, from donors, or from a combination of both. This means the child’s DNA comes entirely from the chosen source and not from the surrogate. For intended parents, this distinction often provides peace of mind, creating clear boundaries and simplifying legal parentage.

Many families also choose gestational surrogacy because it allows them the chance to have a biological connection to their child, even if they need an egg or sperm donor. For example, some couples are able to use one partner’s sperm or eggs, giving them a direct genetic link, while others find comfort in choosing donors whose traits or backgrounds resonate with their family story.

By removing the genetic tie between surrogate and child, gestational surrogacy creates a clear, secure foundation for everyone involved. It respects the surrogate’s role as a carrier, while protecting the emotional well-being of intended parents and ensuring that legal parentage is established from the beginning.

Medical Pathways Compared

The medical steps involved in surrogacy look very different depending on whether you choose traditional or gestational surrogacy. Understanding how each pathway works can help you see why most intended parents today choose gestational surrogacy with the support of an experienced surrogacy agency like Growing Generations.

TRADITIONAL

In traditional surrogacy, pregnancy is typically achieved through intrauterine insemination (IUI) at a clinic, or in some cases, through a home-based insemination process. Since the surrogate provides her own egg, IVF is not required. In terms of medical intervention, it might sound less complex, and it usually is on the surface.

However, simplicity often brings greater challenges later. Because the surrogate is genetically tied to the child, courts are cautious when granting parentage to intended parents. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) acknowledges these risks, strongly encouraging traditional surrogacy arrangements to be handled with great care because of the potential for emotional and legal complications. In addition, some states do not recognize traditional surrogacy contracts at all, leaving intended parents without legal protections.

GESTATIONAL

Gestational surrogacy follows a more advanced and carefully regulated medical process. It begins with in vitro fertilization (IVF), where eggs and sperm are retrieved from the intended parents or donors and combined in a lab to create embryos. Once healthy embryos are developed, one is transferred into the surrogate’s uterus under the supervision of a fertility specialist.

This pathway involves more medical steps, but it is highly structured and supported by strong ethical guidelines. ASRM sets clear standards around medical screening for surrogates, the number of embryos that can be transferred, and the informed consent process. These guidelines exist to protect everyone involved, ensuring the surrogate’s health is prioritized and that intended parents have the best chance of a safe and successful pregnancy.

Laws also play an important role in shaping which pathways are allowed. For example, in New York, the Child-Parent Security Act (CPSA) legalized compensated gestational surrogacy in 2021 but explicitly prohibited traditional surrogacy. This law reflects what many states now recognize: gestational surrogacy offers clearer protections and less emotional risk. The CPSA also requires detailed legal contracts, independent legal representation for both parties, and comprehensive medical and psychological screenings, aligning closely with ASRM recommendations.

For intended parents, this means that gestational surrogacy is not only the more common option but also the one most supported by medical and legal professionals across the United States.

Legal & Parentage Considerations

One of the most important differences between the two types of surrogacy is how parentage is established. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s biological connection often means intended parents must complete an adoption after birth to be legally recognized. This process can be lengthy and emotionally difficult.

Gestational surrogacy, on the other hand, allows intended parents in many states to secure their rights through a pre-birth order. This ensures that their names are placed directly on the baby’s birth certificate, offering peace of mind long before delivery day. For families eager to focus on welcoming their child, this clarity makes a world of difference.

Cost Breakdown: Why Numbers Differ

Surrogacy is a significant emotional and financial investment, and the costs can vary greatly depending on the type of surrogacy you choose. Traditional surrogacy is generally less expensive on the surface because it does not require in vitro fertilization (IVF). Since the surrogate’s own egg is used, there is no need for egg retrieval, embryo creation, or embryo transfer procedures. The medical costs are lower, and fewer clinic visits are needed overall.

However, this initial cost savings often comes with increased legal fees and longer timelines due to the complexities of establishing parentage. Some intended parents also face added costs later if second-parent adoption is required to secure full legal rights.

Gestational surrogacy, by comparison, has a higher upfront cost because it involves a full IVF cycle. This includes egg retrieval (from the intended parent or a donor), fertilization in the lab, and embryo transfer into the surrogate’s uterus. These medical procedures require specialized fertility clinics, laboratory services, and highly trained staff. The cost also includes comprehensive medical screening for all parties, as well as medications for the surrogate to prepare her body for pregnancy.

Beyond the medical side, gestational surrogacy includes compensation for the surrogate, legal fees, insurance coverage, and support services throughout the journey. Although the total price tag can be higher, it reflects a carefully managed process that prioritizes safety, clarity, and the emotional well-being of everyone involved.

Pros & Cons for Intended Parents

Every surrogacy journey comes with unique considerations, and first-time intended parents need to understand both the advantages and challenges of each path. While both traditional and gestational surrogacy share the same goal, helping you welcome your child into the world, they differ in ways that can affect your experience medically, legally, financially, and emotionally. Here’s what to keep in mind:

TRADITIONAL SURROGACY

Pros:

• Typically less expensive since IVF is not required.

• The medical process is shorter and involves fewer procedures.

Cons:

• The surrogate is the biological mother, which can lead to emotional and legal complications.

• Parentage often must be established through adoption after birth.

• Many states do not legally recognize or allow traditional surrogacy.

• Rarely offered by reputable agencies due to the risks involved.

GESTATIONAL SURROGACY

Pros:

• The surrogate has no genetic link to the child, which provides clarity and reassurance.

• Parentage can often be secured before birth through a pre-birth order.

• Supported by most states and agencies, with clearer legal protections.

• Higher medical success rates due to advances in IVF.

Cons:

• The overall financial investment is higher because IVF and more medical services are required.

• The process involves more steps and a longer timeline due to fertility treatments and embryo creation.

Choosing a Surrogacy Type with Agency Support

At Growing Generations, our mission is to make your journey to parenthood as safe, supported, and joyful as possible. That’s why, like most reputable agencies, we focus exclusively on gestational surrogacy. This path protects intended parents, surrogates, and children alike, minimizing risks and ensuring that your experience remains centered on the joy of growing your family.

When you work with an agency, you’re not just choosing a medical or legal pathway; you are choosing a team that will stand beside you, guide you, and celebrate with you as you take each step toward parenthood.

Final Thoughts

Surrogacy is a remarkable way to grow a family, and both traditional and gestational surrogacy share the same beautiful goal: paving your path to parenthood. But for most intended parents, gestational surrogacy offers the clarity, safety, and peace of mind they need to move forward with confidence.

Every journey is unique. With the right support, the path ahead feels less overwhelming and more joyful. At Growing Generations, we are here to walk beside you every step of the way, from answering your very first questions to celebrating the moment you hold your baby in your arms.

If you’re ready to learn more about which surrogacy path is right for you, we invite you to connect with us today. Together, we can help you take the next step toward growing the family you’ve been waiting for.