A surrogate mother is basically a woman who bears a child for another person or couple. By definition, there are two basic types of surrogates: traditional and gestational. Both types carry the child to term with one difference. This difference comes into play with the donor egg.
Gestational Surrogates
A gestational surrogate mother isn't biologically related to the child. Though she may be carrying the child to term, the egg from which the child has grown isn't actually from her. It's secured from either the female partner of the couple in need or a separate third party. The egg is fertilized outside of the surrogate and implanted into the donor uterus by way of in vitro fertilization.
Traditional Surrogates
A traditional surrogate mother is biologically related to the child. In this situation, there is no need to secure a donor egg from another woman, since a traditional surrogate donates both her egg and her uterus for this method of reproduction. Artificial insemination is commonly used to impregnate the surrogate mother.
Types
Whether you plan to use a gestational or traditional surrogate, there are two additional types of surrogacy: agency or independent. With an agency-based surrogacy, the couple uses an agency to essentially broker the deal. The agency helps with surrogate selection, contractual details, insurance needs and monitors the process throughout the pregnancy and birth. With independent surrogacy, you're left to find a surrogate, lawyers and medical professionals to fulfill the process of reproduction. Both types are effectual methods of surrogacy, but agency-based tends to have more fees than independent. This doesn't mean that one is better than the other. It all depends on your personal preference.
Significance
With any type of surrogacy, it's important for all parties to enter into a legal contract. This helps to establish and set expectations of everyone involved. From prenatal care and diet to monetary compensation, custody and parental rights, all facets of the surrogacy are laid out on paper. Each state in the union has different stipulations and regulations surrounding surrogate motherhood, so contact a lawyer prior to entering into any relationship with a surrogate, even if this relationship is established via an agency. Some states do not allow people to enter into such a contract. Other arrangements may need to be made to use surrogacy as an option for parenthood.
Features
Most legal contracts surrounding surrogate motherhood establish financial obligations, medical screenings, psychological evaluations, insurance responsibilities, diet, lifestyle and even termination stipulations or selective reduction in cases of multiple pregnancy.
