Gay couples and surrogacy

We asked three experts from a leading surrogacy agency, Circle Surrogacy and Egg Donation, to answer the top 10 questions asked by same-sex couples seeking its services.

Surrogacy is a wonderful path to parenthood for gay couples. At Surrogacy4All, we proudly support LGBTQ+ Intended Parents with expert guidance and heartfelt care. Here’s a complete guide to your options, costs, legal considerations, and journey timeline. Where do you start the surrogacy process as a gay man?

Our complete surrogacy guide walks through each step of the process, and explains factors such as cost, egg donor and surrogate choice, and more. NWSC has over 30 years of experience supporting gay surrogacy. Our dedicated staff come from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles and are committed to finding the right surrogate mother for gay couples. With the help of IVF, surrogacy for gay men is now an alternative approach to parenthood and a viable option for same sex couples wanting to become parents.

For gay couples, the decision to have a biologically related child through assisted reproductive technology ART is often fraught with uncertainties, complications, expenses, and emotions. But when you yearn for the deep love that comes with the pitter patter of little feet, and the exponential love that it can bring between you and your partner, the journey to have a child can be one of possibilities and optimism.

Far from weird science, the procedure of fertilizing egg with sperm in a laboratory dish and then transferring the resulting embryo into a healthy uterus, also known as In Vitro Fertilization IVF , is common. For gay men, however, there are additional pieces to the IVF puzzle: choosing an egg donor , a gestational carrier, and deciding upon which father will share a biological link to the child.

But the science of surrogacy is fascinating, and staying focused on the interesting details of the process can help you persevere, despite the length and cost of the journey. This is a minute read, and we know that you're busy. Want to learn more?

gay surrogacy grants

Learn More. There are a dizzying number of elements and moving parts to consider when preparing for surrogacy, including the cost, the law, institutional support, and the emotional toll. You will also need to consider the financial commitment of the process, including understanding your insurance benefits , so that you can plan accordingly. Also important to consider are the state-by-state laws around surrogacy.

Is surrogacy legal in your state? What are the laws regarding intended verses birth parents and surrogacy compensation in your state? Lastly—but most importantly—make sure to have a support system in place for you and your partner, because the surrogacy process can be stressful with its overwhelming number of decisions. Get out the flash cards!

When starting the surrogacy process, it can seem like everyone you talk to is speaking in a foreign tongue. This refers to the person or people who intend to parent the child once the child is born. These terms mean the same thing. Your surrogate is the person who carries the pregnancy. They are not genetically linked to your child and they do not want to keep your baby. In fact, they are excited to help you become a parent.

Due to the legal complications inherent in these cases, this is a very rare arrangement today. Although you will go through a selection process based on a profile that includes medical and family health history, you can choose either a known or an anonymous donor. This is also you! And perhaps your partner. This is the person who is contributing their genes to your future child.

Some partners opt for only one partner to be the genetically-intended parent. This way both partners hopefully have the chance to create embryos. In this instance, your children would be genetically half-siblings, linked through your egg donor. This is a big decision to make so be sure to plan time to discuss this and come to a joint decision with your partner, and possibly the help of a mental health professional.

Going through the surrogacy process is a bit like planning a wedding from start to finish—and every bit as exciting and draining. Many life adventures await with your growing family!