Welcome to Adonis Fertility International’s guide on surrogacy and gestational carriers! As the interest in alternative paths to parenthood grows, it’s vital to understand your options. This guide aims to clarify these concepts, helping you make informed decisions on your journey to either surrogacy or parenthood. Today, most people use the terms “surrogacy” and “gestational carrier” interchangeably, but there is still a bit of confusion regarding the terms that Adonis would like to help clear up.
Definitions of Gestational Carrier and Surrogacy
The main difference is the genetic relationship between the carrier and the child. This distinction is key when discussing legal, ethical, medical, genetic, and emotional aspects.
Gestational Carrier:
A gestational carrier is a woman who carries a pregnancy via in vitro fertilization (IVF) with an embryo that is not genetically related to her. This means the gestational carrier has no genetic link to the baby she is carrying. She is helping another family by carrying their child to term.
Gestational surrogacy begins with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), where an embryo is created and then transferred to the uterus of the gestational carrier. She then carries the pregnancy to term, delivering the baby for the intended parents.
Gestational surrogacy has become a preferred option for many due to the clear separation of genetic and gestational roles, reducing potential legal and emotional complexities. At Adonis, we provide gestational carriers for intended parents and help regarding legal, logistics, and emotional support.
It’s important to consult an expert, as different countries have various laws governing gestational surrogacy. Understanding the legal landscape in the US, Canada, Ukraine, and the UK is crucial for ensuring a smooth process. Adonis has been helping families navigate the complexity of surrogacy and all its aspects for more than 10 years.
Surrogacy:
Surrogacy is the practice where a woman, the surrogate mother, becomes pregnant and gives birth to a baby for someone unable to give birth on her own. This term includes both traditional and gestational surrogacy. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is genetically related to the child (the surrogate’s egg is used), while in gestational surrogacy, she is not.
Traditional surrogacy is less common today and not something that we offer at Adonis due to the complex emotional and legal issues it can raise. Traditional surrogacy dates back centuries, but modern medical advancements have shifted the focus to gestational surrogacy. Traditional surrogacy involves unique legal and ethical challenges, particularly concerning parental rights, contracts, birth certificates, and the surrogate’s relationship to the child. These issues vary by country, with the US, Canada, Ukraine, and the UK each having distinct regulations.
Key Differences Between Surrogacy and Gestational Carriers
Comparison Table:
| Aspect | Traditional Surrogacy | Gestational Surrogacy |
| Genetic Link | Surrogate is genetically related to the child | Carrier has no genetic link to the child |
| Legal Complexity | Higher due to genetic ties | Lower due to no genetic ties |
| Emotional Considerations | Potentially more complex for the surrogate and intended parents | Clearer boundaries can simplify relationships |
Legal Considerations
Surrogacy laws can be intricate, with significant variations between the US, Canada, Ukraine, and the UK. Understanding the legal framework and having a solid contract is crucial. This ensures all parties are clear on their rights and responsibilities. At Adonis, we have 10 years of experience in delivering successful births for our families through surrogacy.
Surrogacy in the USA
Part 1: Understanding the Legal Differences Between States in the USA
Part 2: A Guide to Legal Surrogacy Contracts in the USA
Surrogacy in Ukraine
Understanding Surrogacy in Ukraine: Top 5 Things You Must Know
We’ve covered the main points about surrogacy and gestational carriers, highlighting the key differences and considerations. Understanding these options is crucial for making informed decisions about your journey to parenthood.
It’s extremely important to consult with professional experts, including legal and medical experts, surrogacy coordinators, and liaisons between Intended Parents and the Carrier for personalized advice. Adonis offers an end-to-end solution with more than 10 years of experience and more than 1,000 babies. This number doesn’t even include the babies we’ve delivered through our IVF and egg donor programs for families worldwide!
Want More Information?
Please contact us directly or visit our frequently asked questions page. Our dedicated coordinators are with you each step of the way.