The short answer: Gestational surrogacy is far more common than traditional surrogacy today, especially in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Here’s why, along with key differences and statistics.
1. Gestational Surrogacy (Most Common – ~95% of Cases)
✅ How it works:
- The surrogate carries an embryo created via IVF using:
- Egg from the intended mother or donor
- Sperm from the intended father or donor
- The surrogate has no genetic link to the baby.
✅ Why it’s preferred:
✔ No legal risks: The surrogate cannot claim parental rights (she’s not the biological mother).
✔ Wider acceptance: Legally recognized in most U.S. states and Western countries.
✔ Used by all family types: Straight couples, gay couples, and single parents.
📊 Statistics:
- 90–95% of U.S. surrogacy cases are gestational [ASRM, 2023].
- 100% of agency-facilitated surrogacies in Canada/UK are gestational.
2. Traditional Surrogacy (Rare – ~5% of Cases)
⚠ How it works:
- The surrogate’s own egg is fertilized with sperm (from the intended father or donor).
- She is the biological mother, leading to legal and emotional complexities.
⚠ Why it’s declining:
❌ Legal risks: Surrogates can contest custody (e.g., famous Baby M case, 1986).
❌ Ethical concerns: Blurred lines between surrogate and mother roles.
❌ Banned in many places: Illegal in most U.S. states and Europe.
📊 Statistics:
- Only 5–10% of surrogacies worldwide are traditional.
- Mostly used in unregulated markets (e.g., some parts of Asia, Africa).
3. Key Differences
| Aspect | Gestational Surrogacy | Traditional Surrogacy |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic Link | ❌ No (donor/intended mom’s egg) | ✅ Yes (surrogate’s egg) |
| Legal Safety | ✅ High (clear parental rights) | ❌ Risky (custody disputes) |
| Cost | $$$ (100K–200K) | $$ (50K–100K) |
| Common Users | All family types | Mostly heterosexual couples |
| Global Acceptance | Legal in most countries | Banned in many places |
4. Why Gestational Surrogacy Dominates
✔ Legal clarity: Courts favor intended parents in gestational cases.
✔ Medical advances: IVF success rates have made gestational surrogacy easier.
✔ Ethical preference: Avoids emotional conflicts over biological motherhood.
5. Exceptions Where Traditional Surrogacy Still Exists
- Low-income countries: Cheaper but riskier (e.g., some clinics in Mexico, India).
- Private arrangements: Rare cases where a family member (e.g., sister) acts as a traditional surrogate.
Final Answer
Gestational surrogacy is the standard (95% of cases) due to legal safety and IVF advancements. Traditional surrogacy is rare (5%) and declining due to ethical and legal risks.
Considering surrogacy? Always choose gestational and work with a reputable agency.
