Identification

• Traditional surrogacy involves a surrogate mother using her own eggs for the conception of a child. In this type of surrogacy, the unborn child is the biological offspring of the surrogate mother. Traditional surrogacy is typically used when a single man or homosexual male couple wishes to conceive a child. It is also used when a woman does not have viable eggs or has an inheritable condition that could be passed on to her child if her own eggs are used.
  
  

Features

• For traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother's eggs are often fertilized by the sperm of the intended father, though a sperm donor may be used instead. When this occurs, the intended father is biologically linked to the unborn child, as is the surrogate mother. The intended mother or other parent, if there is one, is not linked biologically to the child. However, some places allow for contracts that essentially name the intended mother or other parent as one of the child's official parents at birth.
  
  

Function

• For traditional surrogacy arrangements, there is usually no sexual intercourse involved. Typically, the surrogate mother's eggs are extracted and fertilized in a process called in vitro fertilization. This means the surrogate mother's eggs are fertilized outside of her body and then implanted into her uterus. To help this process along and ensure successful impregnation, the traditional surrogate is often called upon to use fertility medications.
  
  

Considerations

• Some opponents of surrogacy worry about the effects of the arrangement upon the traditional surrogate. Though they often criticize such arrangements as using a woman's womb for rent, they also express concern about the emotional facets of traditional surrogacy. In such a situation, it is possible for a woman to form a bond with the child she carries, particularly since it is biologically hers. However, most surrogates feel comfortable with the situation and are able to keep their emotions separate in order to help another person or couple conceive.
  
  

Potential

• Traditional surrogacy arrangements are often made between people who know each other. For example, a woman may agree to help a family member or friend who is unable to have a child of her own. With this type of relationship, giving up what is biologically her own child may be easier for the traditional surrogate, as she may be able to see the child later in life. However, not all the traditional surrogacy arrangements are worked out this way, and some are made between two people who never met before meeting to discuss the potential for surrogacy.