EXPANDING YOUR FAMILY WHEN YOU’RE LGBTQ

LGBTQ

Congratulations—making the choice to have a baby is exciting! Now that you’ve decided parenthood is for you, you may find it hard to get the thought of tiny fingers and toes and that “new baby” smell off your mind. You’re ready to take the next step!

As you likely know, the process of becoming a parent can be more challenging if you’re LGBTQ than it may be for straight couples. To create a baby, egg and sperm must meet, then implant in the uterus. You may need third-party assistance in order to achieve pregnancy.

Today, many options are available to the LGBTQ community, including donor options and surrogacy. Continue reading to learn more about your choices, the cost of treatment, and other aspects to consider.

If you and your partner aren’t biologically female, donor eggs may give you the opportunity to have a child. You have the option of using your own sperm or sperm from a donor to fertilize the egg.

Learn more about donor eggs:

Some LGBTQ couples would rather that neither intended parent have a genetic connection to the baby—preferring embryo donation over using donor eggs or sperm. Donor embryos are also a choice if you’re using a surrogate.

Learn more about donor embryos:

With donor sperm, couples who are not biologically male are able to create an embryo using an egg of their own or from a donor.

Learn more about donor sperm:

Surrogacy is necessary if neither you nor your partner is able to carry a baby. A parent can be genetically related to the child, or a donor embryo can be used.

Learn more about surrogacy:

PROTECTING YOUR GROWING FAMILY

There are many other aspects to think about when using third-party assistance to try for a baby. It’s important to understand the laws in your state for surrogacy and/or donor options, and to enlist the help of a lawyer to outline parental rights for yourself and your surrogate or donor.

Read more about other considerations.

PLAN FOR YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENTS

Organize your thoughts with this customizable guide that will help lead early discussions with your fertility doctor.

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IN THE KNOW: FAMILY-BUILDING OPTIONS FOR LGBTQ COUPLES

Information about fertility treatments and third-party options to help you start or grow your family.

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MORE FERTILITY PATIENT STORIES

My Fertility Story provides customized fertility and family-building resources to support you as you navigate your unique path to parenthood.

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