Surrogacy is a way for individuals or couples to have a child when they are unable to become pregnant or carry a baby themselves. Traditional surrogacy and Gestational surrogacy are the two main types.
In traditional surrogacy, the procedure is done by egg donation from the surrogate and the intended father’s sperm. In contracts, in gestational surrogacy, intended parents use their own egg and sperm, so there is a genetic link between them and with baby.
Parents-to-be and people who might be surrogates need to know the differences between these two ways.
Read more: Altruistic surrogacy
What is the Difference Between a Surrogate and a Gestational Surrogate?
We explain the differences between these two by highlighting their key features.
- Traditional Surrogate: Usually, the surrogate uses her egg, making her the mother of the child she is carrying. Sperm can come from either the intended father or a donor. Usually, intrauterine insemination (IUI) or artificial insemination is used to fertilize the egg.
- Gestational Surrogate: In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic link to the child. The embryo is created using an egg from the intended mother or an egg donor and sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor, typically through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The gestational surrogate carries and delivers the baby but does not contribute genetically to it.
For a complete comparison between Traditional surrogacy vs. Gestational surrogacy, see the table below:
| Aspect | Surrogate (Traditional Surrogacy) | Gestational Surrogate |
| Definition | A woman who carries and gives birth to a child conceived through her egg and the intended father’s sperm. | A woman who carries and gives birth to a child conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents’ eggs and sperm. |
| Genetic Connection | The surrogate is genetically related to the child. | The gestational surrogate is not genetically related to the child. |
| Conception Method | Natural conception or intrauterine insemination (IUI) | In vitro fertilization (IVF) |
| Egg Source | Surrogate’s egg | Intended mother’s egg (or donor egg) |
| Sperm Source | Intended father’s sperm | Intended father’s sperm (or donor sperm) |
| Emotional Connection | Maybe it is more emotionally complex due to the genetic connection | Typically less emotionally complex due to lack of genetic connection |
| Compensation | Varies, but often lower compensation | Typically higher compensation |
| Laws and Regulations | Vary by country and state, but often more restrictive | Vary by country and state, but often more permissive |
Read more: Surrogate Mother
Traditional Surrogacy vs. Gestational Surrogacy Cost
There can be significant differences in how much each type of surrogacy costs:
- Most of the time, traditional surrogacy is cheaper because it doesn’t involve IVF or egg removal. Depending on legal fees and surrogate pay, the costs could be anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000.
Here is the international standard surrogacy cost breakdown:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
| Agency Fees | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Surrogate Compensation | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Legal Fees | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Medical Expenses | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $50,000 – $100,000 |
Read more: Whose egg and sperm are used in surrogacy?
Important notice:
In Iran, this cost only $18000-20000
- Gestational surrogacy is more expensive because of IVF and the medical treatments that go along with it. In general, it costs between $100,000 and $200,000. This includes agency fees, surrogate pay, hospital bills, legal fees, and other costs.
Here is the international gestational surrogacy cost breakdown:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
| Agency Fees | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Surrogate Compensation | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Legal Fees | Up to $20,000 |
| IVF Procedures | Up to $25,000 |
| Health Insurance for Surrogate | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $100,000 – $200,000 |
Read more: Gestational Surrogacy
Important notice:
In Iran, this cost only $19000-230000
After comparison between Traditional surrogacy vs. Gestational surrogacy, you should know about their advantage and disadvantage:
Traditional Surrogacy vs. Gestational Surrogacy Pros and Cons
Like any medical process in IVF, surrogacy has pros and cons too. Let’s see the details below:
Traditional Surrogacy
Pros:
- Lower overall cost compared to gestational surrogacy.
- There is no need for egg retrieval or IVF procedures for the intended parents.
Cons:
- The surrogate has a biological connection to the child, which can complicate legal rights and emotional dynamics.
- There is potential for legal disputes if the surrogate changes her mind about parental rights.
- It is less common and may not be supported by all agencies or legal frameworks.
Gestational Surrogacy
Pros:
- Intended parents can have a genetic link to their child.
- More apparent legal arrangements are due to the lack of genetic ties between the surrogate and the baby.
- Higher success rates are associated with IVF compared to IUI.
Cons:
- It is more expensive due to IVF and additional medical procedures.
- The process involves complex medical preparations for the surrogate.
Read more: Surrogacy in the Islam
Which is Better, Traditional or Gestational Surrogacy?
What makes one type of surrogacy “better” than another depends on the person’s needs and preferences:
- Traditional surrogacy might be a good choice for people who want a cheaper option and don’t mind the emotional challenges that come with the surrogate having a biological link to the child.
- On the other hand, gestational surrogacy is often chosen because it is legal and keeps the surrogate and kid emotionally separate. It lets the parents-to-be keep a DNA link with their child while reducing the chance of legal problems.
In the end, people who want to become parents should carefully consider all of their choices, considering personal values, financial impacts, and emotional dynamics.
Read more: IVF in Iran
Where can I do these surrogacies at a high quality and affordable price?
Surrogacy in Iran It might be best for you. Surrogacy is becoming more popular in Iran as a way for couples who are having trouble getting pregnant to get pregnant. Surrogacy services are popular there because they are legal, cheap, and well-known in medicine. People from Iran and other countries like to get their services there.
Process and Steps
The surrogacy process in Iran involves several steps:
- Initial consultation and registration, which takes about three months
- Medical and psychological counseling for the genetic parents
- Choosing a surrogate mother and genetic counseling
- IVF process, where the egg and sperm are fertilized in the laboratory, and the embryo is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus
- Regular prenatal care and monitoring of the pregnancy.
IranHealthAgency supports all these processes and gives you affordable options for gestational surrogacy in Iran. We send you two legal contracts: standard and guaranteed surrogacy contracts, which are slightly more expensive.
- Standard Surrogacy Contract: This contract spells out the most important details of your surrogacy plan, ensuring everyone is clear and safe.
- Guaranteed Surrogacy Contract: For a small extra fee, our guaranteed surrogacy contract gives people even more peace of mind. This choice gives you more security and peace of mind about the surrogacy process, protecting your best interests the whole way.
Read more: Surrogacy in Iran
It’s critical you know the details about the differences between Traditional surrogacy vs. Gestational surrogacy, so please contact us to book a personalized free consultation with the best IVF center in Iran. just click the link below:
