SURROGACY PROCESS FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES: BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS
Everyone’s path to parenthood is unique. However, many same-sex couples experience additional challenges as they traverse their journey to building and growing their dream family. In addition to facing biological hurdles, many gay couples also encounter legal and social obstacles. Fortunately, those barriers are breaking down, and surrogacy is becoming an empowering solution for gay couples and other members of the LGBTQIA+ community deciding to start a family. Read on to learn more about how the surrogacy process for same-sex couples puts parenthood within reach for many intended parents.
SPECIALIZED SUPPORT FOR THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY
Surrogacy agencies typically offer specific resources and support services for LGBTQIA+ clients. As one of the first surrogacy agencies to service gay and single men, we at Growing Generations understand the challenges facing LGBTQIA+ parents growing a family through surrogacy.
Since 1996, our founders have worked to overcome hurdles and unique challenges faced by gay intended fathers—from navigating and improving legal systems that were designed to accommodate only “Mom and Dad” to educating doctors, professionals, and the surrogate community about gay parenting. We continue to promote inclusivity by recruiting surrogates and egg donors who are excited to help gay men become dads. Additionally, we offer resources to help our intended dads talk to their kids and communicate with their support networks about surrogacy. We also specialize in solutions for assisting HIV-positive men to become biological fathers via surrogacy.
SURROGACY AND LEGAL PROTECTION FOR GAY COUPLES
Each state has unique laws regulating surrogacy. Some states do not grant parental rights for same-sex couples, while other states do not allow or recognize surrogacy contracts at all. Understanding and navigating these complex laws is easier with the support of legal experts who can help ensure same-sex couples are recognized as legal parents from the moment the surrogate gives birth.
Essential surrogacy legal services for same-sex couples include:
Counsel on which states are surrogate-friendly and ideal for your specific situation.
Assistance obtaining paternity judgments that name you as the legal parent of your child with both parents’ names on the birth certificate—or just one name if you are single.
Legal representation and assistance drafting your surrogate or egg donor contracts and family planning documents.
ESTABLISHING A BIOLOGICAL CONNECTION BETWEEN LGBTQIA+ PARENTS AND CHILDREN
With recent advancements in assisted reproduction technology and procedures, same-sex couples can safely use their own genetic material or donor biology to build a family. Most IVF clinics can use sperm from both male partners (if applicable) to have siblings from the same egg donor. They also have the ability for HIV-positive males to use their own sperm to become biological fathers.
In addition, a friend or a family member can volunteer and become an egg donor. Growing Generations is happy to connect with your chosen donor, walk her through what to expect, and help coordinate each step of her screening and egg retrieval process.
PROMOTING PARTICIPATION IN THE FAMILY-BUILDING JOURNEY
Surrogacy gives same-sex couples more freedom and flexibility to build a family on their terms with help from professionals who understand their needs. In the past, societal norms and biological constraints often limited the options for same-sex couples to build and grow their families. The surrogacy journey not only enables all individuals and couples to experience the joys of parenthood—it also empowers all participants to be actively engaged in every step of the family-building process, from selecting an egg donor to being involved throughout the surrogate’s journey.
Surrogacy fosters a sense of agency and ownership for same-sex couples as they embark on their unique path to parenthood, marking a significant stride towards a more diverse and inclusive perspective on modern family dynamics.
At Growing Generations, we pride ourselves on being there for you and your family every step of the way. Contact us to book your free consultation or financial analysis or answer any questions about the surrogacy process.