There are several options for same-sex couples who want to become parents. These include intrauterine insemination, reciprocal IVF (one partner donates eggs that are fertilized with donated sperm and carried by the other), co-parenting, surrogacy, and sperm donation.
Other options for same-sex couples include adoption and fostering. There are currently more than 125,000 children in foster care who need loving homes.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
If a couple decides to start or expand their family, they will have many options for conceiving and carrying a baby. Some may be able to conceive through at-home insemination (with the Mosie Kit) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). In vitro fertilization (IVF) is another option. In this type of assisted reproductive technology (ART), one partner provides her eggs, which are then fertilized with sperm from an anonymous donor.
The resulting embryos are then implanted in the other partner’s uterus. In a variation of this process called reciprocal IVF, both partners provide eggs and receive donated sperm from the same source, which is a good choice for some lesbian couples because it creates a more shared parenting experience.
Using IVF as a way for same-sex women to become pregnant is an option that is often available at NewYork-Presbyterian, where our expert gynecologists and fertility specialists are comfortable with treating LGBT patients. It is important for couples to talk to their doctor before starting a family to review their options and ensure that they are aware of all the different routes to parenthood, including adoption and foster care. This is also a great opportunity for couples to discuss any health concerns or barriers to conception they might be facing. It is also a good idea to have basic fertility testing done, which can help inform what treatment plan might work best.
Co-Parenting
Co-parenting is a term that is most often used in the context of a divorced couple who shares custody. However, LBGT couples can also opt to use this method to build their family. In this arrangement, each intended parent will provide an egg or sperm and the fertility doctor will perform an insemination procedure to try to get the gestational carrier pregnant. Then, the intended parents will share parenting responsibilities and rights in the same way that any two co-parents do, whether they live together or apart.
For example, a cisgender lesbian couple may decide to use an egg donor and sperm from one of the woman’s siblings or cousins. Then, the intended mother will carry the pregnancy and give birth to the baby. This is a great option for LBGT couples who want a biological connection to their child but need to find a gestational carrier to become pregnant with.
This is a variation on the traditional IVF process. In this case, both a cisgender lesbian and her partner will provide eggs and sperm for the IVF procedure. Then, the resulting embryo(s) will be implanted into the intended mother’s uterus or into a gestational carrier that she will carry. In this arrangement, the intended parents will share parenting responsibilities but do not have legal or physical custody of the child.
Surrogacy
There are several ways that same-sex couples can have a baby, including adoption and surrogacy. It’s important to be aware of all the options and legal implications when choosing how you and your partner want to build your family. Before embarking on any path to parenthood, make sure you know the laws in your area and consult with a specialist in LGBT family law.
One option is to have artificial intrauterine insemination with donor sperm, which involves a fertility doctor using a thin catheter to insert sperm into the uterus of the woman who will carry the baby. This is less invasive than in vitro fertilization but has lower success rates. Another option is to use an egg and sperm donor, which is more complex but may be more affordable. Egg donors can be known friends or family members, and sperm can be donated from a friend or from a sperm bank.
Cisgender heterosexual couples and transgender women can also use this method. For example, a man named Alex can provide the sperm and his partner, Sarah, will act as a gestational carrier to carry the pregnancy. The couple could also choose to use a genetically related egg donor, in which case Alex’s relative would serve as the egg donor but wouldn’t be the legal father of the child.
Sperm Donation
One way for lesbian couples to have a baby is to use sperm donated by another woman. This can be done with at-home insemination (ICI) or with intrauterine insemination (IUI). Sperm donation is a very common form of assisted reproductive technology, and it is generally legal in all states. However, it’s important to talk with a fertility specialist about this option to determine whether it will be legally possible in your state.
If you decide to go with this method, make sure to choose a reputable sperm bank. They will screen donors for genetic diseases and chromosomal abnormalities. It’s also a good idea to get a referral from your primary care physician.
Lastly, you should consider the possibility of using an egg donor or gestational carrier. This is a great option for couples who want to conceive without having the biological connection or who cannot carry a pregnancy due to medical reasons. It’s important to discuss these options with your partner and make a decision that will work best for you. There are many resources available to help you find the right path. Good luck! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
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