Gestational vs. Traditional Surrogacy in Canada: Understanding the Differences

Surrogacy in Canada is built on compassion. A woman choosing to help someone else grow their family through one of the most generous acts imaginable. If you’ve ever wondered about becoming a surrogate, you’ve probably come across two terms over and over - gestational and traditional surrogacy.

Both paths involve carrying a baby for intended parents, but the experiences, emotional pieces, and legal structures look very different.

What Is Gestational Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy is the most common and most supported form of surrogacy in Canada today.

In this type of surrogacy:

• The surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby.

• An embryo created using the intended parents’ or donors’ egg and sperm is transferred to the surrogate through IVF.

• The surrogate’s role is to grow and nurture a pregnancy.

Since the surrogate is not genetically related to the baby, gestational surrogacy offers:

• Clearer legal processes

• More emotional security for everyone involved

• A smoother journey from pregnancy to parenthood

For most surrogates, this also creates peace of mind. They can fully invest in the pregnancy journey without navigating the complexities of a biological tie.

What Is Traditional Surrogacy?

Traditional surrogacy means the surrogate uses her own egg, making her biologically connected to the baby she carries.

This type of surrogacy can be facilitated through:

• IUI (intrauterine insemination)

• At-home insemination (not medically recommended)

Why It’s Rare in Canada

Traditional surrogacy is legal in Canada, but it comes with significant emotional and legal complexities, including:

• The surrogate being the genetic parent

• More complicated consent and parentage processes

• Greater emotional risk for everyone involved

Embrace Surrogacy’s focus is entirely on gestational surrogacy to ensure surrogates feel supported, protected, and comfortable throughout the entire journey.

The Heart of the Decision

Whether gestational or traditional, surrogacy is never just a medical choice - it’s an emotional one. Surrogacy is about:

• Connection

• Trust

• Communication

• Shared dreams

Gestational surrogacy has become the standard in Canada because it allows those relationships to grow in a way that feels secure for the surrogate and the intended parents.

If you’re thinking about becoming a surrogate, you don’t have to have it all figured out. Most women start with a feeling. A pull toward helping another family, or the sense that they have more love to give.

If you’re curious, have questions, or just want to explore whether surrogacy might be right for you, we’d love to support you.

Your journey can start with something as simple as a cup of coffee and a conversation.