Lesbian Family Building

Successful Family Building Start Here

If you are ready to begin the process of family building, we encourage you to check with your insurance carrier to determine whether or not you need a referral from your primary care physician or OB/GYN. Once you are ready to schedule your first appointment, click here to contact us.

During your first visit, we will discuss your family building goals and health history. We will explain your treatment options and make arrangements for any medical testing your physician prescribes. Your Patient Navigator will also describe the process of using a sperm donor to achieve pregnancy, as well as your options for choosing a surrogate or gestational carrier, if preferred or needed.

What are treatment options for conceiving a child?

You will need to choose a sperm donor to conceive your child. You have three main options: You can choose to use a Known Donor (family member or friend), Anonymous Donor through a sperm bank, or an Identity Release Donor, which gives your child the option to contact the donor after turning 18 years of age

When it comes to treatments, there are several options for family building:

Artificial Insemination: AI is the process used to place sperm into a woman’s reproductive tract using means other than sexual intercourse. The procedure involves concentrating semen into a small volume and placing it into the uterus. This process is also referred to as intrauterine insemination, or IUI.
IVF: IVF is one of the most successful fertility treatment options available. IVF stimulation requires injectable medication and a procedure known as egg retrieval which is done under sedation. To move forward with IVF, you should see a board certified Reproductive Endocrinologist. He or she will complete a panel of pre-pregnancy screening tests, genetic tests and infectious disease tests.
Reciprocal IVF: With reciprocal in vitro fertilization, one woman donates her eggs to her partner, and her partner carries the pregnancy. For female couples, this is a way that both can participate in the process of bringing a child into their home.

If you would prefer to work with a surrogate or gestational carrier, we can work with you to choose a match. Finding a surrogate or gestational carrier is something you will explore with RMACT’s GayParentsToBe. Your surrogate or gestational carrier will have no genetic link to the baby that they will carry for you. Still, she will need to be screened for reproductive and psychological health and infectious disease. There are at least two options for finding a surrogate/carrier; using an agency or using a Known Carrier.

You will also work with a reproductive attorney to ensure your family building experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible and that your family is legally protected against any unforeseen complications.

What type of support does RMACT offer same-sex familes?

RMACT created GayParentsToBe.com where you can find answers to your questions about building a family with your partner. GayParentsToBe has many resources specifically created for your growing family as well as regularly added education information.

You can also visit the Third Party Reproduction drop in support group. This group is free of charge and welcomes patients in all stages of the process—from thinking about moving forward using an egg and/or sperm donor to choosing a donor to beginning your cycle and finally, parenting.