The main difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy is the egg source. In gestational surrogacy, the carrier does not provide the egg. An embryo is created through IVF using intended-parent gametes, donor eggs, donor sperm, or donor embryos, and the embryo is transferred to the gestational carrier.
Traditional surrogacy uses the carrier's own egg. That means the carrier is genetically related to the child, which can create different legal, emotional, and parentage risks. Patriot Conceptions works with gestational surrogacy, not traditional surrogacy.
Gestational surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy is the model most people mean when they talk about agency-supported U.S. surrogacy today. The intended parents and clinic decide how embryos are created. The carrier is screened, legally represented, and medically prepared for embryo transfer and pregnancy care.
Important features include:
- The carrier is not the egg source.
- Embryos are created through IVF.
- Intended-parent or donor gametes may be used.
- Screening, counseling, legal agreements, and clinic clearance happen before transfer.
- Parentage planning is handled under the law that applies to the birth.
Traditional surrogacy
Traditional surrogacy is different because the carrier's own egg is used. The pregnancy may be created through insemination rather than transfer of an embryo created from a separate egg source. Because the carrier is genetically related to the child, parentage and consent questions can be more complex.
Some states restrict or disfavor traditional surrogacy. Even where it is allowed, families should not assume it follows the same legal or clinical pathway as gestational surrogacy.
Why the distinction matters
The distinction affects:
- Genetic relationship.
- Clinic protocol.
- Donor records and embryo documentation.
- Legal agreement terms.
- Parentage orders and birth-certificate planning.
- The emotional boundaries of the match.
When someone asks whether a surrogate shares DNA with the baby, the answer depends on which model is being discussed. In gestational surrogacy, the carrier does not provide the egg. In traditional surrogacy, she does.
Why agencies usually focus on gestational surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy gives the clinic, attorneys, intended parents, and carrier a cleaner starting point. The medical record can identify the embryo source, the legal agreement can describe the carrier as a gestational carrier, and the parentage plan can focus on the intended parents rather than a genetic-parent role for the carrier. That does not remove every legal step, but it reduces avoidable confusion.
Traditional surrogacy should not be treated as a cheaper or simpler substitute. The apparent simplicity can create harder legal and emotional questions later because the carrier is also the genetic contributor.
What to confirm before matching
Intended parents should confirm the embryo source, donor status, clinic protocol, birth state, legal path, and parentage timeline before matching. Surrogates should confirm that they are being considered for a gestational-carrier role and that the agreement accurately describes the embryo source and parentage intent.
How Patriot Conceptions frames the journey
Patriot Conceptions uses a gestational-carrier model. That means the agency coordinates around IVF clinic requirements, carrier screening, independent legal counsel, parentage planning, and a match structure where the carrier is not the genetic parent.
This page is educational information only and is not medical or legal advice. Confirm your specific medical plan with the fertility clinic and your legal plan with qualified reproductive counsel.