The History and Future of Surrogacy in Oklahoma

Are you a potential surrogate mother? Are you interested in surrogacy? Becoming a surrogate is a great way to help those who can’t have children through conventional means. As a woman who’s interested in applying to become a surrogate in Oklahoma, it’s important that you learn as much about the process as possible. It’s important that you understand the different types of surrogacy and what each process entails.

Fortunately, Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma is here to provide information on the history of surrogacy and information on surrogacy in Oklahoma.

The History and Evolution of Traditional Surrogacy

There are two different types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. Traditional surrogacy is the oldest of the two. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is the child’s biological mother. She uses her own egg for the conception process. Up until recently – up until the last few decades – it was the only surrogacy option available for couples suffering from infertility.

Traditional surrogacy has existed since ancient times. Back then, children were conceived naturally; men had intercourse with women other than their wives for the sole purpose of reproduction. Some cite the Book of Genesis – the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar – as the first known example of traditional surrogacy. Abraham was the intended father, and Hagar was the surrogate.

Centuries passed, and technology developed. In the late 1800s, artificial insemination was invented and used for reproduction. It became a part of the traditional surrogacy process.

During traditional surrogacy, ALA artificial insemination, the intended father’s sperm is collected and placed inside the surrogate mother during her “fertility window.” The sperm fertilizes the surrogate’s egg, and the surrogate carries and delivers the child.

The Introduction of Gestational Surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy is relatively new. It began in the 1970s, thanks to the rise of new technology and procedures. 

There are three main steps in gestational surrogacy: egg removal, in vitro fertilization, and embryo transfer. During the first step, eggs are removed from the intended mother. During the second step, an egg is fertilized in a laboratory using the intended father’s sperm. In the third step, the resulting embryo is placed inside the surrogate mother. Because of this three-step process, the intended mother – not the surrogate – is the child’s biological mother.

Nowadays, gestational surrogacy is more common than traditional surrogacy. Many intended parents – intended mothers in particular – want a biological connection to their children. However, the main cause for the shift to gestational surrogacy was the legal complications that often surround traditional surrogacy. During one particular case in the 1980s, a traditional surrogate mother refused to give the child to the intended parents because of her biological relationship with that child.

Compensated Surrogacy vs. Altruistic Surrogacy

Compensated surrogacy is when the intended parents pay the surrogate mother for her time. Altruistic surrogacy is when the surrogate receives no form of payment (the intended parents still cover the prenatal care costs, though).

Surrogacy in Oklahoma

Gestational surrogacy – altruistic or compensated – is legal in the state of Oklahoma. Traditional surrogacy is also legal, but only under specific conditions.

In Oklahoma, traditional surrogacy is viewed through the same lens as adoption. A surrogate mother can’t receive compensation through traditional surrogacy, and she is sacrificing her parental rights over the child.

With gestational surrogacy, the legal process is less complicated. The surrogate understands that she’s not related to the child, and she understands that she has no parental rights over the child.

In Oklahoma, both heterosexual and homosexual couples can pursue Oklahoma surrogacy process. Gestational surrogacy is especially popular in the LGBTQ+ community because it allows gays and lesbians to have biological children when it wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

Surrogacy at Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma

Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma only offers gestational surrogacy to intended parents. Our surrogacy agency is committed to making the surrogacy process as easy and fulfilling as possible. We work closely with all our intended parents and surrogate mothers.

If you have any questions about our services, or if you’re ready to start your surrogacy journey, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma is a surrogacy and adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and leader in the community. We assist both intended parents and gestational carriers (surrogates). Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized experience to all involved in the surrogacy process.
Toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777 | Text: 405-310-8790 | Email

Meet the Author: Heather Valenzano is an up-and-coming content creator with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and a minor in English. After graduating from Iona College in 2019, she got an internship – and then a part-time job – writing blogs and managing social media accounts for Hip New Jersey, a lifestyle website owned by Long Shot Productions. She has also produced website and social media content for CommonPage, an external collaboration platform.

When she isn’t working, Heather enjoys watching crime shows like Forensic Files or posting book reviews to OnlineBookClub.org under the username “LavenderLiterature2.”