Surrogacy for gay couples can help men start or build their families
The Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine is a proud supporter of the LGBTQ community. Robert E. Anderson MD and Don Royster MD support the community by providing surrogacy as a family-building option for gay couples.
Surrogacy can help gay men make their dream of parenthood come true
When men ask our Southern California fertility center about surrogacy, our team will outline the steps to achieve a pregnancy. Gestational surrogacy requires two different women for an IVF cycle. One is the egg donor and the other is the surrogate. We use sperm from one or both fathers to fertilize the donor eggs using in vitro fertilization, IVF. One of our doctors then transfers a resulting embryo to the surrogate’s uterus. After the surrogate gives birth to the baby, she gives the child to the fathers. The baby is not related to the surrogate at all.
Gay couples can select someone they know to be their surrogate or they can go through a surrogacy agency
After reviewing the steps of surrogacy, our Southern California fertility center team will explain how to find a surrogate.
Gay couples can ask a family member or friend to serve as a surrogate. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, certain family members can serve as surrogates. The only exception is when the biological parents of the baby are first-degree relatives, such as siblings.
Surrogacy agencies are another popular option. This is especially true if a gay couple cannot find a family member or friend to serve as a surrogate. Surrogacy agencies make surrogacy easier for parents by assisting them in finding a surrogate and making any necessary surrogacy arrangements.
Finding the right surrogate can make the process go more smoothly
When selecting a surrogate, the following suggestions can make the process proceed as smoothly as possible.
- The surrogate should be at least 21 years old. She should have already carried a pregnancy and given birth at least once. This positions the surrogate to understand the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy and delivery.
- The surrogate should have a medical evaluation to make sure that she can carry a pregnancy and deliver a baby. She should also have a psychological screening.
- The surrogate should sign a contract that outlines her responsibilities as a surrogate. Most importantly, the contract should state that she is willing to give the baby to its intended parents after it is born. For this reason, it’s important to hire an attorney who understands your state’s laws regarding reproductive rights.
If you would like more information about surrogacy as a family-building option for gay couples, please contact our Southern California fertility center.
