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Surrogacy


Versus IVF

Surrogacy, by definition, is the delivery of a baby via a surrogate.

It is an agreement between an intended parent (or parents) and a surrogate mother who will carry and deliver the baby. Although the surrogate mother is the one who experiences the pregnancy, the intended parent(s) are legally and genetically the parents of the child.

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There are two main types of surrogacy

Traditional icon

Traditional Surrogacy

The surrogate mother’s egg and the father’s (or a sperm donor’s) sperm to create the embryo. This means that in traditional surrogacy, the baby is biologically related to the surrogate mother.
Gestational abstract

Gestational Surrogacy

The surrogate is never genetically related to the baby. The egg is given by the mother (or an egg donor) and the sperm is given by the father (or a sperm donor) to create the embryo, and it is then transferred to the surrogate.

What is IVF?

IVF stands for “in vitro fertilization”. “In vitro” is Latin for “within the glass,” and has been adopted by the English language to mean “outside the living organism” or “outside the body”.

IVF therefore is the combination of an egg and sperm outside of the body, that is then transferred into the uterus for growth via pregnancy.

Gestational surrogacy utilizes the IVF technology and process, including the collection of eggs and sperm in a clinic (or the choosing of one or both from donors), fertilization in a lab, and embryo transfer.
But instead of transferring the embryo (the fertilized egg) back to the mother’s uterus as in traditional IVF, it is transferred to a surrogate’s uterus in gestational surrogacy.
Gestational surrogacy ensures that the baby is only biologically related to the intended parents, but it is the surrogate who will experience the pregnancy and carry the baby to delivery.

Is a surrogate cheaper than IVF?

Because there are external medical costs and legal fees outside of the extended parents’ partnership, surrogacy commonly leads to more expenses than IVF.

Some intended parents also cover the cost of travel, maternity clothing, and other pregnancy-related expenses for the surrogate, depending on their prior agreements before the pregnancy.

However, each circumstance is unique. Expenses can depend on the location, agency, and specific circumstances or agreements of all parties involved. This is why it’s very important to partner with an agency with experience. At Los Angeles Surrogacy, we provide packages to cover all costs and complete all paperwork. We have over 15 years of experience and have seen great success with our transparent communication and all-encompassing packages.

Frequently 
Asked Questions

Is a Surrogacy Baby Biologically Related to a Surrogate Mother?

No. Via gestational surrogacy, the egg of the intended mother (or a donor) is combined with the sperm of the intended father (or a donor) and transferred to the surrogate mother for growth during pregnancy. Therefore, the surrogate has no genetic link to the child, and the baby will only resemble the intended parents (or donors of the egg and sperm). There is no transfer of DNA during pregnancy.

How Much Money Does a Surrogate Make?

Surrogate compensation is not a “one size fits all” paycheck. It will vary greatly depending on location, prior experience as a surrogate (first-time surrogates may have an advantage sometimes), and other personal factors such as carrying multiples (twins or more), necessity of a C-section, coverage of insurance costs, medical fees (IVF appointment and checkups), possible travel fees, coverage of maternity clothing, legal fees, potential lost income (when working is no more an option near the third trimester), etc.

Does a Surrogate Mother Breastfeed the Baby?

A surrogate mother usually does not breastfeed, but there are exceptions.

  • Emotional & legal boundaries – Breastfeeding may create an unintended emotional bond that the surrogacy contract usually intends to prevent.
  • Intended parents’ role – Many intended mothers prefer to induce lactation or use donor milk.
  • Colostrum feeding – In a number of cases, a surrogate will provide colostrum for early immunity.
  • Pumping breast milk – In a number of cases, surrogates agree to pump milk for the baby.
How Many Times Can A Person Be A Surrogate?

A woman can typically be a surrogate 3-5 times, depending on medical guidelines and personal health. Fertility specialists often recommend a maximum of 5 pregnancies (including her own) to minimize health risks. Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics also impose their own limits based on medical guidelines.

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