What It Means To Be A Family Today
The traditional family is the nuclear family formed by a heterosexual couple. Now, times have changed, and there must be room for diversity. Today, there are more LGBTQ+ individuals and couples eager and excited to enter parenthood. However, there are legal, cultural, and medical barriers to having biological children. As society has become more accepting, there is now a diverse range of options that allow LGBTQ+ people to create families. From in vitro fertilization (IVF) to surrogacy, there are innovative medical advancements that can make parenthood a reality for LGBTQ+ individuals.
How do LGBTQ+ individuals fit in?
Modern family making involves the many ways individuals and couples can create families outside of traditional biological conception. Fertility clinics and other institutions have created means for having children, even if there is a biological barrier. For instance, gay men and transgender women cannot biologically conceive but can still have children with the right support. LGBTQ+ individuals also struggle with infertility challenges and need support. With assisted reproductive technology (ART) and alternative family-building methods, there is hope.
Turning to in vitro fertilization
IVF was primarily designed to help heterosexual couples with fertility problems. By taking sperm and egg from each individual, the fertility clinic can create viable embryos. One or more embryos are then implanted into the hopeful mother to encourage pregnancy. IVF has since graduated to support the LGBTQ+ community with family planning. For instance, an embryo from a donor clinic can be implanted into any individual who can biologically carry the child to term. Gay male couples can use IVF in conjunction with surrogacy. For lesbian or transgender male couples, one partner's eggs can be fertilized and implanted into the other partner's uterus, a process called reciprocal IVF. These strategies ensure there is a biological link to the child.
Surrogacy, donors, and much more
Surrogacy is an essential tool in modern family-making for LGBTQ+ individuals or couples. This is an arrangement where a woman carries the pregnancy for the intended parents. Gestational surrogacy is often used, where an embryo is implanted via the IVF process. In other words, the surrogate has no biological link to the child. Surrogacy and IVF often require donors, where another individual provides an egg or sperm sample. For instance, a donor clinic or sperm bank can provide healthy follicles for gay men or sperm samples for lesbian couples. The embryos are then implanted in the surrogate. In many cases, the individual or couple may lean on family members to keep a genetic link to the child. IVF, surrogacy, and donation work hand in hand to ensure LGBTQ+ couples can start or grow families.
Taking your first step to parenthood
The journey begins with careful planning and informed decision-making. The individual and couple must discuss the physical limitations and examine available options. There are also financial considerations, preferences for biological connections, the number of children desired, and the timeline for family building. With all the details ironed out, the next step is to consult a fertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist who has experience working with LGBTQ+ patients. The team can also help with understanding the legal aspects of LGBTQ+ family building, as laws can vary significantly by state. The process can be emotionally, physically, and mentally challenging. Consider joining support groups or finding counselors who can help. Modern family making will only increase as technology advances and attitudes continue to evolve. These steps can help navigate this process and set LGBTQ+ couples up for success.
