Third Party Reproduction
Who will the baby look like? Do you think he or she will have my eyes? These are questions regularly asked during a pregnancy but the answers may take on a special meaning for individuals or couples who are utilizing various types of third party reproduction in order to build their family. Third party reproduction refers to the use of egg, sperm and/or embryo donation and surrogacy, in order to have a child.
Making the decision to pursue third party reproduction can be a different experience for each person. People who are faced with this decision can include just about anyone, including single people, same-sex couples or heterosexual couples who have been unsuccessful in their attempts to conceive utilizing In Vitro Fertilization. If you have just learned that you’re unable to conceive naturally, you will find yourself at a crossroads as to your next move. Couples may consider the pursuit of various types of third party reproduction for a number of reasons. Male infertility is the diagnosis in around 40% of couples trying to get pregnant, so working with a sperm donor may be the best solution. Likewise, 40% of the time, the female partner is diagnosed with infertility issues. For a variety of reasons more women are waiting later in life to get pregnant. Unfortunately, a woman has a limited supply of eggs thereby making fertility very difficult later in the reproductive years. In these cases, working with an egg donor might prove to be the best choice. If you find yourself facing this situation, consider viewing The AFA’s Video Fact Sheet, Transitioning from IVF to a Donor Egg Cycle, as well as our online webinar, Therapies Utilizing Donor Eggs.
Third party reproduction will always be required by same-sex couples and single parents who wish to form their families through biological means. Lesbians and single women without male partners will need a sperm donor in order to get pregnant. The AFA’s website offers an informative Video Fact Sheet entitled Reproductive Options for Gay Women as well as articles on LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) family building, including an LGBT Professional Network to help you find IVF Centers and Donor Banks that offer sperm donation. Gay men require an egg donor and surrogate to carry the baby(s).
As well as medical protocols, there are a number of emotional and legal issues attached to third party reproduction for those using egg donation, sperm donation and/or surrogacy. The AFA has a number of articles as well as a webinar that can help you understand the legal issues involved with third party reproduction, and other helpful fact sheets that offer advice for handling the emotional aspects. It may be challenging, for some, to come to terms with this family building option. If you find that is the case, you can find a tremendous amount of information, from a mental health perspective, in The AFA’s article library and blog. In addition, The AFA has three professional directories in place that can help individuals find the third party reproductive specialists that they need. Please take advantage of our online Professional Resource Directory to identify local sperm banks, egg donation and surrogacy agencies, infertility clinics and third party reproduction lawyers in your area. The Therapist Network can also help you locate a therapist specializing in third party reproduction. Lastly, the LGBT Network can help lesbians and gay men find LGBT friendly physicians and professionals.