What Is Traditional Surrogacy? Understanding the Basics

When exploring the world of surrogacy, you may come across two main types: traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. While Hatch exclusively offers gestational surrogacy, understanding the differences is important for anyone researching family-building options. In this article, we’ll explain what traditional surrogacy is, how it works, and why it’s rarely used today.

What Is the Definition of Traditional Surrogacy?

Traditional surrogacy is a type of surrogacy in which the surrogate is both the biological mother and birth mother of the child she carries. This is because her own egg is used in the conception process, typically through intrauterine insemination (IUI) with sperm from the intended father or a donor.

Unlike gestational surrogacy where the surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby, traditional surrogacy involves a biological link between the surrogate and the child. This key difference brings unique legal and emotional considerations.

How Traditional Surrogacy Works

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate undergoes artificial insemination, meaning she carries a child conceived using her own egg and sperm from the intended parent or a donor. No IVF is required, and the process can sometimes be less medically intensive.

Because the surrogate provides the egg, she is considered the child’s genetic mother, which can complicate legal parentage and emotional boundaries.

Traditional vs. Gestational Surrogacy

Here’s a quick comparison to help clarify the key differences between the two types of surrogacy:

Legal and Emotional Considerations

Traditional surrogacy involves greater legal and emotional complexities than gestational surrogacy. Because the surrogate is biologically related to the child, establishing legal parentage can be more difficult and may require post-birth adoption or court proceedings depending on the state.

Additionally, the emotional dynamics can be more complicated. The genetic connection may make it harder for the surrogate to relinquish parental rights, and this can sometimes lead to legal disputes or emotional distress for all parties involved.

In the U.S., some states restrict or outright ban traditional surrogacy arrangements, while others have no clear legal framework — adding another layer of uncertainty.

Why Traditional Surrogacy Is Rare Today

Due to these legal and emotional risks, traditional surrogacy is rarely used today. Most surrogacy professionals, including Hatch, work exclusively with gestational surrogates. Gestational surrogacy provides greater legal clarity, emotional peace of mind, and a process that aligns more closely with modern medical and ethical standards.

Even when intended parents consider surrogacy with a known egg donor, gestational surrogacy is usually still preferred, as it maintains the clear boundaries of roles and responsibilities.

Final Thoughts

While traditional surrogacy remains a part of surrogacy’s history, it's largely been replaced by gestational surrogacy due to the legal protections and emotional clarity it provides for everyone involved. At Hatch, we specialize in gestational surrogacy and are committed to supporting both intended parents and surrogates through a safe, compassionate, and legally sound journey.

If you're exploring surrogacy as a path to parenthood, we invite you to learn more about gestational surrogacy with Hatch and how we can support your family-building goals.