Finding a traditional surrogate is significantly harder than finding a gestational carrier. Most surrogacy agencies refuse traditional surrogacy arrangements due to legal complications and emotional risks, leaving intended parents to search independently. This comprehensive guide explains why traditional surrogate candidates are rare (women must use their own eggs and become the biological mother, then terminate parental rights), where searches actually work (30% involve people who already know each other, online platforms, specialized consultants), critical questions about genetic connection and psychological readiness, red flags like financial desperation and unclear legal understanding, enhanced screening needs beyond standard surrogate evaluation, and realistic alternatives when searches fail. Traditional surrogacy searches typically take 6-18+ months compared to 3-6 months for gestational surrogacy with agency support.
