Surrogacy is the process by which a woman has a baby with the intention of relinquishing her parental rights to an intended parent or couple.
Types of surrogacy There are two different types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy.

• Traditional surrogacy In traditional surrogacy, the child is genetically related to the surrogate mother – she can become pregnant through home self-insemination or with the aid of a fertility clinic, using the sperm of one of the intended parents. Traditional surrogacy tends to be cheaper than the host method because it does not necessarily require assistance from a fertility clinic – unless you want help with insemination of sperm.
• Gestational surrogacy In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate is not genetically related to the child. Instead an embryo that is prepared in a fertility clinic using the egg and sperm of the intended parent or a donated egg / sperm, is implanted into the surrogate mother. With gestational surrogacy you have greater control over your child’s genetic material as you can choose the egg or sperm you use.

How do I choose a surrogate? The first thing to remember is that the choice is both yours and the surrogate’s. They have to be happy with you as well as you with them. When choosing a surrogate for your child, the most important things to ensure are that the woman is healthy and is physically able to carry your child to full term and that she is someone you feel confident in and happy to work with. Make sure you ask about any medical conditions she might have, especially if you have chosen traditional surrogacy because these could be passed on to your child.