LGBTQ family planning is unique for each couple when it comes to Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). There is no complication for gay people with building a family. This is because modern technology has created multiple ways for them to become parents.

Reproductive Sciences Medical Center is a fertility agency, in San Diego. It specializes in providing solutions for LGBTQ family planning that includes same-sex surrogacy as well as gay and lesbian family building opportunities.

Become a Parent

Family Building with Known Sperm

There are many benefits of family planning for gay men via a third party.

For example, either male’s sperm can be put to use to provide a genetic component for the child. If neither of the male’s sperm is of good quality, then donor sperm is always an option.

In gay family building, often both partners produce sperm. One man fertilizes half of the eggs while the other partner fertilizes the remaining eggs. Each man’s sperm provides one embryo which then implants into the surrogate’s uterus. If pregnancy occurs, the partners need to go through a paternity test. This is helpful in finding out which partner will genetically relate to the child.

Most men prefer this method. But there’s a ‘competitive’ aspect to it. RSMC fertility agency – San Diego & Irvine recommends using one man’s sperm for the first child and the other partner’s sperm for the second child.

If a man tests positive for infectious diseases, including HIV, his sperm can be washed of all traces at a washing center. However, it’s necessary to get the gestational carrier’s consent for this procedure.

Understand Your Choices Surrounding Egg Donors

When it comes to family planning through egg donors, there are many options for LGBTQ couples and individuals. Some couples choose the sister of the non-sperm donor. This provides a genetic link to both intended parents.

Egg donors can also choose to remain anonymous. The egg donor remains unknown to the Intended Parents and the future child.

There can also be an “Open door” policy. This allows a child, once they have turned 18, to contact a lawyer to access the donor’s information. It’s up to the egg donor to decide whether to meet the child in person, by phone or email or remain anonymous.

Gay Surrogacy with a Surrogate Mother Agency

A gestational carrier is usually the best option when it comes to same-sex surrogacy. It is recommended to get a surrogate mother through a surrogacy agency. The reason behind this recommendation is that the procedure pre-screens them using psychological, medical and background checks. If the potential surrogate is married, her husband is also tested for sexually transmitted diseases.

Both parties need to go through legal representation as well. The Intended Parents and gestational carrier have their own lawyers who create the contract terms to agree upon. Contracts cover a variety of stipulations like Will the gestational carrier carries a singleton or twins? What happens if the baby is born with abnormalities? Who is in control of the carrier’s diet? How much contact can be made between the couple and the gestational carrier? Will she be compensated additionally if bed rest is required and she cannot work?  What will the compensation amount be?

In special cases, where the couple finds their own carrier, they must negotiate directly with their surrogate to come to an agreement. It is also common for Intended Parents to purchase an insurance policy at the beginning of the same-sex surrogacy cycle. The gestational carrier uses her own policy during pregnancy and for birth.

Gay men or couples usually have an ongoing relationship with their gestational carrier during the pregnancy and in many cases even after the delivery. They tend to visit the carrier’s house if she lives nearby. If not, email or skype is also an option. By being present at the time of delivery gay couples bond immediately with their newborn child.

Understanding the Family Building Process

Upon selecting an egg donor and gestational carrier, both are given blood and urine tests. This is necessary to identify any infectious disease at that time. Even the man’s sperm is analyzed, and the carrier’s uterus is tested.

At Reproductive Sciences Medical Center, we also recommend to freeze the sperm, if the donor is traveling or for some reason thinks he won’t be able to produce sperm on the day of egg retrieval to fertilize the eggs.

If the eggs have been donated, they are thawed the day before the cycle begins. Otherwise, the egg donation process begins while the carrier prepares her uterus to accept them.

On a selected day, sperm is thawed or produced, eggs are fertilized, and the embryo is transferred. Then they freeze the rest of the eggs, for a repeat try or future siblings.

The patient needs to undergo a pregnancy test a week and a half after the transfer. If the test is positive, the patient needs to go through a blood test and ultrasound. Lawyers will have already worked out all the pre-adoption paperwork. But requirements vary by state. States like California, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut are adoption-friendly while others like New York are notoriously difficult.

Options For Lesbians

Women who choose this route often use donor sperm, with one partner selected for artificial insemination. The selection depends on the condition of both women’s ovaries. Generally, one woman will carry the first child, while her partner will carry the next.

If both women want to be genetically related to the child, then one women’s family member can donate his sperm. The other carries the pregnancy.

Third-party family planning is comparatively less difficult for women than men. But legal contracts must be placed in case of a future dispute between the birth mother and her partner.

 

The landscape for gay couples wishing to start their own family has changed. RSMC fertility agency – San Diego & Irvine is here to guide you throughout your journey. If you would like to explore your options such as same-sex surrogacy or egg donor IVF, you can always visit us at www.fertile.com. You can also call at (858) 215-6940 to schedule a consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

Please follow and like us: