Gestational surrogacy is a fertilization technique where the intended parent’s embryos are placed into the uterus of another woman (known as the surrogate mother). The surrogate will carry the pregnancy to term and give the baby to the parents.

Continue reading to learn more about what gestational surrogacy is, how it works, and if it could be a good option for you as an intended parent or surrogate prospect.

What is the difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy?

There are two types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy.

The only difference in traditional surrogacy is the surrogate is the carrier and biological mother of the baby. Meanwhile, in gestational surrogacy, the baby does NOT share a genetic link with the surrogate, the surrogate is only the carrier. For gestational surrogacy, if necessary, parents can also opt to hire a sperm or egg donor.

How can I pursue surrogacy?  

There are two ways to pursue surrogacy. One option is to do an independent surrogacy, in which you will have to find a surrogate yourself and hire an assisted reproduction attorney. 

The other option is doing it through a surrogacy agency. If you choose to work with Love & Kindness Surrogacy, we can help you find a surrogate and an egg donor (if necessary). Plus, we also offer to the intended parents and surrogates to work with an escrow account to ensure that both parties will fulfill the terms of the surrogacy contract.

How does surrogacy work? 

First, a surrogate has to match with the intended parents. After matching, both parties will meet through a video call.

Once everyone is on board, the escrow account will be opened. Both parties will review with their attorneys their responsibilities, risks, and expectations of surrogacy. 

Later on, the surrogate will go under medical and psychological evaluations. 

Eventually, you’ll sign a surrogacy contract. After signing, the surrogate will start the IVF treatment for the embryo transfer. Once the embryo transfer is successful, the surrogate will carry the pregnancy until childbirth. 

In the last trimester of pregnancy, a pre-birth order goes to the court. By the time the baby is born, the parents can take it home. They are recognized as the legal guardians.

Why choose gestational surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a wonderful option for LGBTQ couples, couples struggling with fertility issues, or single parents to complete their families.

Some of the benefits of gestational surrogacy are:

• One or both parents have the opportunity to be biologically related to their child.
• Intended parents and the surrogate can develop a unique relationship.
• Unlike traditional surrogacy, gestational surrogacy is less emotionally and legally complicated for everyone involved. This is because the surrogate is not the biological mother of the baby.

Is surrogacy legal in the U.S? 

Although gestational surrogacy has become more common, this practice is relatively new. Laws are still changing to make surrogacy a simpler and safer process for everyone involved.

The states where surrogacy is banned are Nebraska, Louisiana, Michigan, and New York. However, with Love & Kindness Surrogacy, intended parents can fulfill their surrogacy dream by matching with a surrogate from a state where surrogacy is not banned. At Love & Kindness Surrogacy, our purpose is to ease the surrogacy journey for both intended parents and surrogates. We commit to do surrogacy with transparency and dedication. If you have any further doubts, you can reach out to our agents, who all have been surrogates themselves.