Navigating the journey towards parenthood within the LGBTQ+ community often involves unique challenges and considerations. Ensuring access to inclusive and supportive fertility practices becomes paramount for individuals or couples seeking assistance. Here are some insightful tips and considerations to identify inclusive fertility clinics:
Assessing Inclusivity:
- Intake and Consent Forms: Check if forms embrace inclusivity by offering options for non-binary individuals, inquiring about gender expression and sexual orientation, and utilizing gender-neutral language.
- Financial and Laboratory Forms: Look for inclusivity in financial estimates, accommodating various family structures. Assess if the forms acknowledge different scenarios for same-sex couples concerning semen analysis, IUI, storage fees, and genetic testing.
- Patient Bill of Rights: Ensure the clinic’s policies embrace inclusive language regarding gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression.
- Observing the Environment: During visits, notice signs of inclusivity in the waiting room, such as Pride decorations, LGBTQ+ friendly magazines, or all-gender bathrooms.
- Clinic Success Rates: Review the clinic’s success rates on platforms like SART (Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology) to gauge their success with procedures relevant to your needs.
Questions to Ask:
- Experience and Expertise: Inquire about the clinic’s experience with LGBTQ+ patients, the number treated, and their specific connections or support for LGBTQ+ family building options.
- Legal and Support Resources: Ask if they have connections with attorneys specializing in LGBTQ+ family building and information about local support programs or incentives.
Seeking Recommendations and Resources:
- Consult Your Primary Care Physician: Discuss concerns with your PCP, who may recommend LGBTQ+ friendly fertility partners or clinics.
- Utilize Feedback and Resources: Explore feedback and resources shared by others who have sought inclusive fertility clinics.
Book Recommendations
There many books available that LGBTQ+ parents can use to help explain egg donation and surrogacy to their child(ren). This article on our Intended Parents Blog features several children’s books for families with two dads: https://eggdonorsolutions.com/intended-parents/10-childrens-books-celebrating-inclusivity-and-families-with-same-sex-parents/.
In addition, the Family Equality website offers a comprehensive list of book recommendations for LGBTQ+ parents and children of all ages. Visit the website to search by age, topic, keyword, author, etc.: https://www.familyequality.org/family-support/lgbtq-books/.
Expert Insights and Podcast:
- Dr. Skora’s Insights: The podcast episode featuring Dr. Daniel Skora from Fertility Specialists of Texas shares insights on creating inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community within fertility clinics.
The commitment to finding a provider or fertility clinic that aligns with your unique needs and values is crucial. Asking questions, assessing inclusivity, and seeking expert guidance can significantly contribute to a more supportive and inclusive family-building journey for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.
A Message from the Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions Team
Happy Pride Month to all our LGBTQ+ intended parents! It is truly our honor to work with you to create your happy family. Below are some other recent articles you may find interesting.
Speaking Out for Third-Party LGBTQ+ Services
Finding a Fertility Clinic That Works for You
Jarett & Jeremy’s Story: Twice the Love
We help Intended Parents Create Happy Families via Egg Donation & Surrogacy with the help of caring Egg Donors & Surrogates.
Why use an agency, Surrogate Requirements, Can I be a Surrogate?, Facts about Surrogacy, Information on surrogacy, What our agency can offer you , Surrogacy FAQs, Families who need you, Learn more, Apply now. Our Podcast
