How Can Surrogacy Help Same Sex Couples?
Houston Fertility Center in Houston, TX, is committed to helping patients achieve their dreams of parenthood, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. We offer a variety of family planning options for LGBTQ patients, including surrogacy.
Explore how surrogacy can help same-sex patients expand their families and find out if surrogacy may be right for you and your partner.
What Is Surrogacy?
There are two forms of surrogacy:
- Traditional Surrogacy - Traditional surrogates have a biological link to the child. In traditional surrogacy, the woman carrying the child is the genetic mother. While Texas allows traditional surrogacy, there are more legal steps and risks involved, including the woman changing her mind. The state of Texas requires a 48-hour waiting period after birth, meaning the mother can choose not to relinquish her rights during that period.
- Gestational Surrogacy - A gestational surrogate has no biological link to the child she is carrying. An embryo is created using an egg from the intended mother or an egg donor and sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor. In the case of same-sex male couples, one of the male partners will often donate the sperm so one man has a biological link to the child. The resulting embryo is then placed in the surrogate's uterus during an IVF cycle.
Surrogacy and Same-Sex Male Couples
Surrogacy is a good option for genetically male same-sex couples. This allows one of the men to have a biological link to the child. The sperm is combined with the egg from a donor in our state-of-the-art lab and allowed to mature. The resulting embryo can then be transferred to the surrogate to continue the pregnancy. During your initial consultation, Dr. Sonja B. Kristiansen can help you and your partner determine which partner may be the best option for sperm donation.
During the surrogacy process, a pre-birth order is drawn up. The state of Texas recognizes same-sex married couples, and both partners will legally be the parents of the resulting child. We collaborate with Prime Genetics and other surrogacy agencies that conduct stringent screening to select only the best gestational carriers. These agencies will help walk you through the legal process of surrogacy.
Should I Choose Traditional or Gestational Surrogacy?
Typically, gestational surrogacy is legally more secure and has fewer risks than traditional surrogacy. However, if you have a friend or family member who is willing to be your surrogate, you can discuss gestational surrogacy and potential egg donors with our trusted agencies.
Gestational surrogacy is still an option if you have a female friend or family member willing to donate her eggs. In this case, your friend or family member's egg will be retrieved. Once the egg is fertilized and matured, the embryo will be placed inside the uterus of your surrogate. During the process, Dr. Kristiansen will work closely with you, your agency, and your surrogate to help guide you on your journey.
Ready to Discuss Surrogacy?
We understand that our LGBTQ patients have extra hurdles when it comes to growing their families, and we are dedicated to helping eliminate barriers. If you and your partner are ready to begin your journey to parenthood, request a consultation with Dr. Kristiansen today. We look forward to helping you realize your dreams of becoming a parent or expanding your family.