LGBTQ+ and IVF

Is IVF the only way to build or expand a family for the LGBTQ+ community?

  • Although the focus will be on IVF, there are other options to build/expand a family for the LGBTQ+ community

  • Here are some other options:

    • Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

    • Surrogacy

    • Adoption

What does IVF look like for the LGBTQ+ Community?

  • Co-IVF (reciprocal IVF): this process includes the extraction of eggs from one cis woman —> those eggs are inseminated with donor sperm —> fertilized into embryo(s) —> the embryo is transferred to the other cis woman’s uterus to carry the pregnancy.

    • This process allows lesbian cis women to share in the process of pregnancy

  • Egg donation & Gestational Carrier IVF: this process includes using fresh or frozen eggs from an egg bank —> those eggs are inseminated with sperms from the couple —> fertilized into embryo(s) —> the embryo is transferred to the uterus of gestational carrier

    • This process allows gay cis men to share in the process of pregnancy

    • Legal contracts between intended parents and gestational carriers maybe needed

  • The freezing of eggs, sperms, or embryos prior to hormone therapy or surgery provides options for trans individuals and couples to participate in the genetic makeup of any planned future offspring

  • For legal services, Connecting Rainbow is a great place to start