LGBTQ+ Community: Fertility and Family Building Options
Because Everyone Deserves a Path to Parenthood
Building a family should never be limited by biology, gender identity, or sexual orientation. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, the journey to parenthood often requires extra planning, legal considerations, and medical support—but it’s more possible and promising than ever. At Reproductive Centers of America (RCA), we are proud to stand with and serve LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in all their diversity. Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or already know what path feels right, our team is here to guide you—without judgment, and with joy.
Fertility Options for Lesbian Couples
Most lesbian couples will need donor sperm, and possibly fertility treatment, depending on their medical history and reproductive goals.
Common pathways include:
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation. Often the first step for couples with no known fertility issues. - In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Eggs are retrieved, fertilized in the lab, and the embryo is transferred to the uterus. May be preferred for those with fertility challenges or who want higher success rates. - Reciprocal IVF
One partner provides the eggs, and the other carries the pregnancy—allowing both partners to share in the biological and gestational experience.
Fertility Options for Gay Couples
Gay male couples will typically require:
- Egg donation (from a known or anonymous donor)
- Gestational surrogacy, where the embryo is carried by a third-party surrogate but is not biologically related to her
IVF is used to create embryos using the donor eggs and one or both partners’ sperm. Many couples fertilize half the eggs with each partner’s sperm to share genetic parenthood.
🏳️⚧️ Fertility Options for Transgender Individuals
Transgender and non-binary individuals may wish to preserve fertility before starting gender-affirming treatments, or explore options after transition depending on anatomy and goals.
Options include:
- Egg or sperm freezing prior to hormone therapy or surgery
- IUI or IVF using own gametes or donor sperm/eggs
- Gestational carriers for those unable or unwilling to carry a pregnancy
- Fertility preservation counseling as part of transition planning
At RCA, we provide gender-affirming, trauma-informed care with absolute respect for identity and privacy.
Donor and Surrogacy Support
RCA offers a full suite of services for:
- Finding and screening egg or sperm donors
- Coordinating with gestational carriers
- Providing legal referrals for contracts, parental rights, and second-parent adoption
- Offering psychological and emotional support throughout the process
Our Commitment to the LGBTQ+ Community
Fertility treatment can be overwhelming—but it should never feel exclusive or inaccessible. At RCA, we prioritize:
- Inclusive language and intake forms
- Nonjudgmental staff trained in LGBTQ+ care
- Partnerships with affirming legal and mental health professionals
- A personalized plan that aligns with your identity, values, and dreams
Every path to parenthood is valid. And every family is worthy.
Fertility Options for Lesbian Couples
Most lesbian couples will need donor sperm, and possibly fertility treatment, depending on their medical history and reproductive goals.
Common pathways include:
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation. Often the first step for couples with no known fertility issues. - In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Eggs are retrieved, fertilized in the lab, and the embryo is transferred to the uterus. May be preferred for those with fertility challenges or who want higher success rates. - Reciprocal IVF
One partner provides the eggs, and the other carries the pregnancy—allowing both partners to share in the biological and gestational experience.
Fertility Options for Gay Couples
Gay male couples will typically require:
- Egg donation (from a known or anonymous donor)
- Gestational surrogacy, where the embryo is carried by a third-party surrogate but is not biologically related to her
IVF is used to create embryos using the donor eggs and one or both partners’ sperm. Many couples fertilize half the eggs with each partner’s sperm to share genetic parenthood.
🏳️⚧️ Fertility Options for Transgender Individuals
Transgender and non-binary individuals may wish to preserve fertility before starting gender-affirming treatments, or explore options after transition depending on anatomy and goals.
Options include:
- Egg or sperm freezing prior to hormone therapy or surgery
- IUI or IVF using own gametes or donor sperm/eggs
- Gestational carriers for those unable or unwilling to carry a pregnancy
- Fertility preservation counseling as part of transition planning
At RCA, we provide gender-affirming, trauma-informed care with absolute respect for identity and privacy.
Donor and Surrogacy Support
RCA offers a full suite of services for:
- Finding and screening egg or sperm donors
- Coordinating with gestational carriers
- Providing legal referrals for contracts, parental rights, and second-parent adoption
- Offering psychological and emotional support throughout the process
Our Commitment to the LGBTQ+ Community
Fertility treatment can be overwhelming—but it should never feel exclusive or inaccessible. At RCA, we prioritize:
- Inclusive language and intake forms
- Nonjudgmental staff trained in LGBTQ+ care
- Partnerships with affirming legal and mental health professionals
- A personalized plan that aligns with your identity, values, and dreams
Every path to parenthood is valid. And every family is worthy.
