Navigating Third-Party Reproduction & LGBTQ+ Family-Building

The journey to parenthood has evolved significantly with the help of assisted reproductive technologies, making it possible for anyone who wants to become a parent to build the family of their dreams. For many LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, third-party reproduction offers a path to starting or expanding their family. The support of donor tissue (donor eggs, donor sperm, and/or  gestational carriers) enables intended parents to overcome any biological hurdles to make a baby. It’s an exciting option for family-building; nevertheless, navigating this process requires careful consideration and support each step of the way. 

Let’s explore the considerations involved in third-party reproduction, as well as how Spring Fertility provides essential guidance and services to intended parents embarking on this path.

Understanding Third-Party Reproduction Options

LGBTQ+ family-building through third-party reproduction involves various options to help individuals or couples have children. Third-party reproduction involves the use of “donated” reproductive materials or services to conceive a child. This may include donor eggs, donor sperm, or the assistance of a gestational carrier. The concept of utilizing donor tissue may initially seem daunting, so here's a breakdown of the options and what they entail:

	Donor Eggs Donor eggs are provided by a third-party donor, and can be purchased “fresh” or “frozen.” These eggs are fertilized with sperm, either from a partner or a donor, and implanted into the uterus through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Spring’s in-house donor egg bank, Nest Egg Bank, offers the ability to match with both frozen as well as designated donors, and is a great option for selecting a donor who matches your desired traits and characteristics.
	Donor Sperm Donor sperm is provided by a third-party donor. The sperm is used to fertilize either an Intended Parent's egg or a donor egg, and the resulting embryo is implanted into the uterus through IVF or intrauterine insemination (IUI). It’s important to understand that while you have the option of using a known or unidentified sperm donor to build your family, with current technologies available like 23 & Me, it’s hard to guarantee that your sperm donor will remain anonymous should your child one day choose to seek out their identity. At Spring Fertility, we work with a limited number of reputable sperm banks, including California Cryobank and Seattle Sperm Bank.
	Gestational Carrier or Surrogacy A gestational carrier carries a pregnancy for intended parents. The embryo is created using either the intended parent's genetic material or donor gametes (egg and sperm) and then implanted into the gestational carrier's uterus through IVF. The difference between gestational carrier and surrogate is that the surrogate is also biologically linked to the baby (their egg is used, in addition to their uterus). We always recommend working with a gestational carrier rather than a surrogate.

Donor Considerations:

Choosing the right option involves careful consideration of individual circumstances, preferences, and legal, emotional, and financial factors. It's advisable to seek guidance from fertility specialists, mental health professionals, and legal experts to make informed decisions when choosing a donor.

Your Priorities for Your Family:

When you make the decision to build your family with the help of donor tissue and prepare to start screening donors, it’s important that you know what your priorities are when it comes to selecting a donor. In addition to identifying what characteristics you’d like them to have (race, ethnicity, education level, hair color, eye color, and interests are common traits intended parents take note of when picking a donor), you also should make sure you’re clear about your desired timeline for building your family and how many children you hope to have. 

Cost, timeline, and number of children you’d like to have (and if you want those children to share the same DNA) all factor into whether you’re seeking fresh or frozen donor tissue, and how you should approach care with a fertility clinic. 

Emotional Preparedness:

Embarking on third-party reproduction can involve complex emotions. Intended parents should prepare themselves for the emotional journey ahead, and the highs and lows that can come with growing your family with the help of assisted reproductive technologies. When the process involves more people and factors than just you and your partner (if applicable), it can sometimes feel like things are outside of your control, so making sure you have a strong emotional support team in your corner can be so helpful. 

Legal Matters:

Navigating the legal landscape of third-party reproduction is paramount. Understanding parental rights, donor agreements, and potential legal issues is crucial for a smooth and secure family-building process that protects all parties involved. 

Financial Investment:

Third-party reproduction can be a significant financial investment, so it’s important you know the anticipated costs upfront to plan ahead. Intended parents must consider the costs associated with purchasing donor tissue, working with a gestational carrier, medical screenings and procedures, legal fees, and any additional support services.

Spring Fertility: A Supportive Partner in Your Family-Building Journey

At Spring Fertility, we understand the unique challenges and joys associated with third-party reproduction. As a leading fertility clinic, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support and personalized care to intended parents throughout every step of their journey. Here's how we assist individuals and couples in building their families through donor tissue:

Expert Guidance:

Our team of experienced fertility specialists offers expert guidance and support to intended parents, helping them navigate the complexities of third-party reproduction with confidence and clarity. We have a dedicated third-party care team, prepared to support you through each stage of the journey. 

Donor Selection:

Spring Fertility’s in-house donor egg bank, Nest, offers a diverse database of carefully screened egg donors, allowing intended parents to select donors who align with their preferences and values. Frozen donor tissue is stored on-site at Spring’s clinics, and fresh egg retrieval happens under the watchful guidance of Spring’s fertility specialists and care teams. Spring also works with accredited donor egg and sperm banks to offer intended parents additional donor options. 

Gestational Carrier Services:

For individuals or couples in need of a gestational carrier, Spring Fertility works with a number of surrogacy agencies that will help you match with a gestational carrier that best supports your family’s needs. When your gestational carrier has been identified, Spring provides medical oversight and emotional support throughout the embryo transfer process until your surrogate is pregnant and it’s time to transfer care to their OBGYN. 

Integrative Services: 

We prioritize the holistic well-being of our patients, offering ASRM-required counseling services, support groups, and resources to address the mental and emotional aspects of third-party reproduction. Our in-house clinical psychologist leads donor tissue counseling for all parties involved, and our genetic counselors are here to help you make empowered decisions for your family as you interpret genetic carrier screening and pre-implantation genetic testing results.

Legal Guidance:

Spring Fertility works closely with trusted legal partners to ensure that intended parents and donors alike receive comprehensive legal guidance and support throughout the donor tissue and gestational carrier processes, protecting their rights and interests so their family can get the easiest and safest start possible. 

Third-party reproduction offers a pathway to parenthood for individuals and couples facing infertility or other reproductive challenges. By embracing donor tissue and the support of gestational carriers, intended parents can realize their dreams of building a family. However, navigating this journey requires careful consideration, emotional preparedness, and expert support. At Spring Fertility, we are committed to providing compassionate care and comprehensive services to intended parents embarking on the transformative journey of third-party reproduction. With our guidance and support, individuals and couples can navigate the complexities of donor tissue with confidence, resilience, and hope.