Preconception information for LGBTQIA+ Individuals

LGBTQIA+ couples and individuals who wish to become parents can access several treatment options including using donor sperm or eggs, gestational carriers, traditional surrogacy, or directed egg donation from one partner to another.

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is the placing of sperm into a woman’s uterus when she is ovulating. This procedure is used for couples with unexplained infertility and LGBTQ+ families/couples.
• A donor egg is fertilized by her partner’s sperm (or a donors) and then implanted in her uterus.  This procedure is used when a woman does not have any viable eggs, whether because of premature ovarian failure or another condition or complication. You will carry the pregnancy and experience childbirth in the same way you would in a pregnancy if you were carrying your own egg.
• Donor sperm (Donor Insemination) is when the husband/partner has no sperm or a very poor semen analysis or when there is a genetic problem which could be inherited from the male. Single women who want a biological child also use DI, as well as LGBTQ+ families/couples also may consider using donor sperm as a means to conceive.
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a procedure where a woman’s egg(s) and a man’s sperm are combined in a special laboratory in order to create an embryo(s).  The embryo or embryos are then transferred to the woman’s uterus through her cervix to enhance the chances of pregnancy.
• Surrogacy is the process in which a person or couple, called the intended parent(s), have a contract with a surrogate or gestational carrier to carry the pregnancy.  A surrogate is a woman who carries a pregnancy for another person or couple.  
• Traditional surrogacy is when the surrogate has a genetic tie to the child she is carrying.
• Gestational surrogacy is when the surrogate or gestational carrier does not have a genetic tie to the child she is carrying.

Adoption is a process where a person assumes the parenting responsibilities from a person's biological or legal parent or parents.Adoption permanently transfers all rights and responsibilities from the biological parent(s).