Building Families Your Way

Over the years, the LGBTQ+ community has experienced numerous challenges in family planning. For years, LGBTQ+ families were not legally recognized in many states. Many legal obstacles and inconsistent laws led to despair and discrimination. Few had access to fertility treatments, and there were limited options for male couples. Social stigmas remain, deterring couples from trying to start families. Many of these barriers and injustices are breaking down, opening LGBTQ+ couples to third-party reproduction options. Not only are couples able to access adoption, but there are means to have children with a genetic or biological link. Building a family is now possible with the support of a trusted fertility clinic.

IVF with donor sperm

LGBTQ+ couples can now leverage in vitro fertilization (IVF) and donors to achieve pregnancy. In many cases, a partner maintains a genetic or biological link to the child. Using donor sperm is an excellent example. Lesbian or transgender couples can accept donor sperm from a bank or known donor for intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF. The donor will have a genetic link but will not be legally tied to the child. Egg or embryo donation can also help in some cases. LGBTQ+ individuals also experience infertility and should be afforded the same options as their heterosexual counterparts. Egg or embryo donation can help when there is a diminished ovarian reserve, sterility, or repeated IVF failures.

The power of surrogates

Same-sex couples can rely on surrogacy to increase the chances of pregnancy. Male couples need support from a surrogate to carry the child to term. With traditional surrogacy, the surrogate maintains a genetic link to the child. Therefore, only a sperm sample is needed from the hopeful parent. IUI or IVF is then required with the surrogate. Gestational surrogacy means the surrogate will receive an embryo and will not have a genetic link to the child. The intended partner's sperm is combined with a donor egg to create an embryo. The gestational surrogate will take hormone medication to prepare the uterine lining to accept the embryo. Surrogacy is a complex process but is an effective third-party option for LGBTQ+ couples.

Reciprocal IVF presents a unique opportunity

Some couples want to be fully immersed in the IVF and pregnancy process. Reciprocal IVF is a unique way same-sex female couples are experiencing this process. One partner will provide multiple eggs for embryos, becoming the egg donor. The eggs are combined with a provided sperm sample to create embryos. The sperm sample is carefully selected from a sperm bank or known donor. Once the embryos are ready, the other partner accepts the embryo transfer and will carry the child to term. Both parties will be immersed in the IVF process, taking hormone medication at specific stages. Reciprocal IVF provides a way for couples to feel more connected to the process.

Be open to possibilities

As the landscape continues to change, LGBTQ+ couples will feel more confident in family planning. Most situations still require careful navigation, ensuring all bases are covered. There are now fertility clinics that support families in overcoming obstacles and achieving the goals of parenthood. With IVF, donors, and surrogacy, LGBTQ+ couples can have a genetic and biological link to the future child. Review all options and take the first step to a beautiful future thanks to third-party reproduction options.