LGBTQIA+ family building
Everyone deserves the opportunity to grow their family. We’re passionate about supporting you on your family-building journey with compassion, respect, and expert care. Love makes a family, and we’re honored to help you grow yours.
We take pride in being a part of your story
As you move through this important chapter, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Ariana and Nora’s Reciprocal IVF JourneyAriana and Nora had done their research and decided to pursue reciprocal IVF. They searched online for an LGBTQIA+ fertility clinic, and booked a new patient consultation at CCRM.Consult: Discuss goals, review family building optionsTesting: Ovarian reserve, HSG diagnosis: Ariana’s egg reserve was higher, so she did the first stimulationTreatment Plan: Reciprocal IVF with donor sperm and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)Outcome: Nora got pregnant on the second transfer and has additional frozen embryos banked for future childrenModel patient journeysJake and Matthew’s Gestational Surrogacy StoryJake and Matthew knew they were ready to be dads, but weren’t sure if they wanted to pursue adoption or gestational surrogacy with donor eggs. CCRM was their first stop as they explored their options.Consult: Discuss goals, family building options, and costsTesting: Sperm analysisTreatment Plan: Donor eggs, gestational surrogacyOutcome: Selected an egg donor, matched with a surrogate six months later, and transferred one euploid embryo, which resulted in a healthy baby girlModel patient journeysDax and Alicia’s Plan For The FutureDax, a trans woman, had only recently come out and was scheduled for gender transition surgery. They wanted to freeze embryos beforehand using their sperm and Alicia's eggs so they could have biological children down the line.Consult: Discuss goals, review family building optionsTesting: Ovarian testing, sperm analysisTreatment Plan: Multiple cycles of ovarian stimulation to get as many eggs as possible to freezeOutcome: The couple has 4 PGT-tested embryos ready to transfer to Alicia’s uterus when they’re ready
Getting started at CCRM
Book your initial consultationMeet with your CCRM team to discuss your medical history, family-building plans, and financial options.
Undergo fertility testingComplete fertility testing to determine reproductive potential. Semen analysis is performed to evaluate sperm quantity and quality. Bloodwork and ultrasound assess ovarian reserve and uterine health.
Explore your optionsYour CCRM provider will guide you through your donor and/or gestational carrier possibilities and create a personalized plan tailored to your unique journey.
Check in with your financial advisorWe’ll connect you with a financial counselor to help tailor your financing plans to your needs and guide you through your insurance and payment options.
Receive support along the wayWhether it’s advice with donor selection or assistance matching with a gestational carrier, we’re here whenever you need us.
Inclusive family-building for the LGBTQIA+ community
Our approach is rooted in empathy, respect for all identities, and the highest standard of fertility care. We bring together compassion, inclusivity, and expert care to support every unique journey to parenthood.
For trans and non-binary
IUI, IVF, gestational surrogacy, fertility preservation before, during, or after hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgery
"Providing gender-affirming comprehensive fertility care for all is more than just offering medical services. It is about respecting the fundamental rights and desires of the LGBTQIA+ community to build the families they desire. Having providers with experience navigating the medical, legal, and psychological considerations of various treatment plans helps to ensure the most positive clinical and psychological outcomes in the most efficient way possible."
Fertility services for the LGBTQIA+ community
Family-building options include:
LGBTQIA+ family-building FAQs
Will we be biologically related to our child?
Yes, many family-building options allow for a biological connection to your child. At your new patient visit, your doctor will discuss with you whether you wish to be a biologically related parent. If you do, then family-building goals would include use of your egg/sperm. Gestational carriers do not share a biological connection with the baby.
How does IVF work for same-sex couples?
For lesbian couples, one or both partners can undergo ovarian stimulation and use those eggs to create embryos with donor sperm. An embryo is then transferred into one partner to attempt pregnancy. For gay couples, one or both partners can provide sperm to fertilize donor eggs, and a healthy embryo can then be transferred into a gestational carrier.
What is reciprocal IVF?
Reciprocal IVF allows both partners to participate in the pregnancy. One partner undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg harvest for fertilization with donor sperm while the other partner’s uterus is prepared for embryo transfer to carry the pregnancy.
Can lesbian couples pursue IUI?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, is a common option for lesbian couples. One or both partners can undergo IUI, depending on your family goals, health history, and which partner wishes to carry the pregnancy.
How do we know the donor we choose is safe for our baby?
Both egg and sperm donors go through a rigorous screening process. This typically includes an evaluation of medical and family history, infectious disease testing, psychological assessments, and genetic screening to reduce the risk of passing on hereditary conditions.
How can we make sure we’re the legal parents of our child?
Legal agreements protect the rights of intended parents and ensure donors or gestational carriers have no parental rights or obligations. It is essential to work with an attorney experienced in reproductive law to establish legal parentage before or shortly after the child’s birth, depending on your state’s laws.
Does insurance cover IVF for LGBTQIA+ couples?
Most insurance providers do not cover insurance for LGBTQIA+ couples. However, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C. each of which has a CCRM fertility clinic location, all have state mandates that require private insurers to cover fertility treatment, including for LGBTQIA+ individuals. There are some nuances to this coverage, and you should reach out to your insurance company to understand the specifics of your plan. Many other state legislators are working to improve access to care for everyone. Even if you don’t live in one of these states, talk to HR to find out if your employer-sponsored insurance offers any coverage.
Start your fertility journey
Connect with one of our experienced fertility specialists to explore your options. We’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.