What is the Difference Between Surrogate and Gestational Carrier?

The main difference between a surrogate and a gestational carrier lies in their genetic connection to the child they carry.

Surrogate (or Traditional Surrogate): A surrogate is a woman who shares a genetic link to the child she carries. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate uses her own egg for the conception process, making her the baby's biological mother.
Gestational Carrier: A gestational carrier is a woman who carries and delivers a child for another couple or individual (the intended parents) without having any biological connection to the child. In gestational surrogacy, eggs and sperm are collected from the intended parents and used to conceive embryos in a laboratory. The gestational carrier does not contribute her own egg, so she is not genetically related to the child.

The term "surrogate" is often used interchangeably with "gestational carrier," but they have distinct meanings. A traditional surrogate shares her DNA with the child, while a gestational carrier does not share any genetic connection with the child. The choice between traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy depends on the intended parents' preferences and circumstances, such as their ability to provide eggs or sperm for the IVF process.

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What is the Difference Between Surrogate and Gestational Carrier?

Comparative Table: Surrogate vs Gestational Carrier

Here is a table comparing the differences between a surrogate and a gestational carrier:

Feature	Surrogate (Traditional Surrogacy)	Gestational Carrier (Gestational Surrogacy)
Genetic Connection	The surrogate shares a genetic link to the child.	The gestational carrier does not have any biological connection to the child.
Definition	A surrogate refers to a woman who shares a genetic link to the child.	A gestational carrier refers to a woman who carries and delivers a child for another couple or individual (the intended parents).
Method	Traditional surrogacy involves using the surrogate's egg, which may be fertilized by the intended father's sperm or donor sperm.	Gestational surrogacy involves using in vitro fertilization (IVF) to create embryos, which are then transferred to the gestational carrier's uterus.
Legal Complexity	Traditional surrogacy is more legally complex because the surrogate is the biological mother of the child.	Gestational surrogacy is generally considered less legally and emotionally complex, as the gestational carrier has no genetic ties to the baby.
Emotional Attachment	Surrogates may be more likely to get attached to the child due to their biological relationship.	Gestational carriers have no biological connection to the child, which can help avoid emotional and legal complications.
Prevalence	Traditional surrogacy is less common than gestational surrogacy.	Gestational surrogacy is more common than traditional surrogacy.

Traditional surrogacy involves using the surrogate's egg and may be achieved through intra-uterine insemination using the intended father's sperm or donor sperm. In contrast, gestational surrogacy involves using IVF to create embryos, which are then transferred to the gestational carrier's uterus. The surrogate in traditional surrogacy shares a genetic link to the child, while the gestational carrier does not have any biological connection to the child.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.