Every couple should have the opportunity to start a family.
Modern fertility treatments can help LBGTIQA+ couples start or build their family. While these couples need to overcome some unique reproductive challenges, it’s now very common for them to use assisted reproductive therapies (ART) to do so.
We understand that traditional gynaecology and fertility clinics can be tricky spaces for people of the LBGTIQA+ community to navigate and feel welcome, but rest assured that we’re here to help at Create Fertility.
There are different treatments available to suit different families. What your specialist recommends will depend entirely on your unique circumstances. Some of the treatments that you might consider include:
For same-sex female couples (or people assigned female at birth), we can work with your chosen donor, or you can access our sperm donor program. If you would both like a genetic link to the child, you may like to consider approaching a male relative of the partner whose eggs you are not using.
If a female (or person assigned female at birth) partner will be carrying the pregnancy, they can undergo IUI. This treatment involves prepared sperm being inserted into the uterus close to the time of ovulation. In some cases, medications may be used for more accurate ovulation timing.
In cases where IUI is a challenge or where a female partner’s own eggs will not be used, IVF is the best option. This treatment involves eggs being artificially inseminated by sperm in the lab, with the resulting embryo developing for five days before being transferred into the female carrying the pregnancy.
People undergoing gender affirmation via hormones, surgery, or other medical interventions will need to consider if they want their fertility preserved. It is possible to store your eggs or sperm prior to transitioning, meaning that your future children can be biologically related to you if you so wish.
Same-sex female couples (or where a person was assigned female at birth) may choose to egg share, which is when the eggs of one partner are used in an IVF cycle to create embryos (using donor sperm). These embryos are then transferred to the other partner in the hopes of producing a pregnancy. The result is that one partner will be the biological parent, while the other will be the birth parent.
In the past, many same-sex and gender-diverse couples turned to self-insemination when looking to start a family. This did not just occur in same-sex female couples using donor sperm; it also occurred in same-sex male couples (where the intended surrogate was using her own eggs – a practice that is illegal here in Australia).
There are several reasons why going through a fertility clinic is the better choice:
LBGTIQA+ couples who conceive a child using surrogacy, donated sperm, or donated eggs must be aware of the current and future legal obligations.
According to Victorian legislation, all parties must seek independent legal advice before proceeding. Being a surrogate mother is an altruistic act; therefore, it is illegal to pay someone to be your surrogate. That being said, reimbursement for some expenses is permissible (including medical expenses, travel, and appointments, as well as the ongoing expenses of pregnancy and birth). Victorian surrogacy arrangements require approval from the Victorian Patient Review Panel before a fertility clinic can provide treatment.
All sperm donors must consent to the release of identifying details to Create Fertility and State donor registries (if applicable). This includes the donor’s medical and family history, identifying information, assumed gender at birth, and the number of children conceived using their sperm. Children who are born from donated sperm are legally entitled to know their genetic parents once they turn 18.
It is strongly suggested that you seek legal advice when selecting an egg donor to help in navigating expectations, boundaries, and the involvement of the donor (along with all other interested parties).
At Create Fertility, we continually strive to be a progressive clinic committed to the future of fertility and helping all couples achieve their dreams of starting a family.
We understand it can be intimidating for same-sex or gender-diverse couples to think about trying to conceive, which is why you shouldn’t have to do it on your own. Our specialists are here to discuss your options, from fertility preservation to using a surrogate. Book an appointment with our team today, and let us walk with you on your fertility journey.
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359 Blackburn Rd, Mount Waverley VIC 3149
226 Clarendon St, East Melbourne VIC 3002
Suite 3, 72 Gloucester Avenue, Berwick, VIC, 3806
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