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At American Surrogacy, we make parenthood possible for gay couples through our comprehensive and inclusive LGBT surrogacy programs.
We understand that LGBT-intended parents may face unique challenges, and we are committed to providing a welcoming and supportive experience for all.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different surrogacy options available, the role of egg donation, financial resources and how to get started.
Learn more about how our LGBT surrogacy programs can help you become a parent faster.
Surrogacy for LGBT Couples: Your Journey Starts Here
Surrogacy is the fastest-growing family-building option for LGBT individuals and couples. We believe every family deserves the opportunity to grow, and our programs are designed to support diverse family-building journeys.
For gay men who want a biological child, surrogacy is the only option to make that happen. With the help of a surrogate and donor eggs, you and your partner can grow your family. Lesbian couples may choose to pursue surrogacy if IUI and IVF are not an option. We help connect lesbian intended parents with surrogates and fertility clinics that understand their needs. Transgender individuals and couples may face unique reproductive challenges. Whether you and/or your partner is a trans woman or trans man, we can connect you with inclusive fertility clinics and surrogates.
Our LGBT Surrogacy Programs
Choosing the right surrogacy program is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. We offer three surrogacy programs to fit different needs and budgets:
Foundation Program
Operates on a pay-as-you-go basis, allowing for a lower initial cost. However, it may involve additional out-of-pocket expenses if the match does not proceed or is disrupted for any reason.
Dig deeper: Start your journey at a lower cost
Limited Risk Program
Structured to safeguard your budget if challenges arise during your surrogacy journey. The associated fees will either be credited toward your next attempt or refunded, ensuring you don’t have to pay for the same expenses multiple times in the event of an unsuccessful outcome.
Dig deeper: How we protect your budget
Independent Program
Designed for families who already have a surrogate or intend to find one on their own but don’t want to sacrifice guidance and support.
Dig deeper: Get support if you already have a surrogate
Why American Surrogacy is the Best Surrogacy Agency for LGBT Families
Choosing a gay-friendly surrogacy agency ensures a supportive and understanding journey to parenthood. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment where all intended parents feel safe and respected.
We have always been a gay-friendly surrogacy agency, offering LGBT surrogacy support. Just a few of the ways that we do this are :
We work with surrogates who are excited about helping LGBT couples and individuals become parents. We can help you find the right surrogate in 1 - 4 months. Increasing your chances of success and decreasing the chances of a failed match or transfer. We operate across the U.S., ensuring our intended parents are matched in states with the most favorable gay surrogacy laws. We can help you connect with top-rated LGBT fertility clinics and egg donor programs that have a proven track record of assisting with surrogacy for gay couples.
Understanding the Role of Egg Donation for Gay Couples
For male same-sex couples, finding an egg donor is a necessary first step in the embryo creation process for LGBT surrogacy. If you don’t already have embryos created, this will need to happen before you can be matched with a surrogate.
Since embryo creation takes time, finding an egg donor sooner rather than later can help keep your journey moving forward.
We can connect you with trusted LGBT-friendly fertility clinics that offer donor egg programs or donor egg banks.
Finding an Egg Donor for a Gay Couple
Fertility clinics and egg banks work with egg donors from all backgrounds. These providers offer extensive donor profiles. These profiles typically include information about the donor, such as:
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Photos
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Personal statement
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Physical attributes
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Heritage
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Career
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Education
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Interests
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Personality traits
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Medical History
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Family history
Want to learn more? Read our guide on How to Choose an Egg Donor.
IVF for Gay Couples and Surrogacy
Once you’ve acquired donor eggs, they will be thawed and fertilized in a lab using your or your partner’s sperm, or a donor’s.
If you can’t decide whose sperm to use, some clinics offer split IVF where half of the eggs are fertilized with your sperm and the other half are fertilized with your partner’s sperm.
After 5-7 days, the resulting embryos will be cryogenically frozen and stored. When it’s time for the embryo transfer, the embryo with the best chances of implanting is chosen and thawed for transfer.
The Additional Costs of Egg Donor Surrogacy for Gay Parents
Egg donation adds to the cost of your IVF and surrogacy journey.
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Donor eggs cost: $10,000-$20,000 for 6-8 eggs
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Donor egg IVF costs: $25,000-$30,000 with other necessary IVF services such as embryo creation, freezing, testing and storage.
How Do Gay Couples Afford Surrogacy?
Surrogacy can be expensive, but there are financial resources available. Here are common ways we see gay couples afford surrogacy:
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Surrogacy grants for LGBT parents: Nonprofits and organizations like Men Having Babies offer grants and discounted services through their Gay Parenting Assistance Program.
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A personal loan for surrogacy: Some banks and fertility financing companies offer loans specifically for IVF and surrogacy.
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Employer benefits: Some employers include IVF or surrogacy financial assistance in their employee benefits package or offer plans through fertility coverage companies like Progyny.
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Home equity and second mortgages: Many intended parents tap into built-up equity in their homes to help cover the cost of IVF and surrogacy.
Starting the Surrogacy Process for Gay Couples
Starting your surrogacy journey is an exciting and life-changing step toward building your family. With the right surrogacy program and a clear plan, each milestone will bring you closer to holding your baby in your arms.
Here’s what you can expect:
We help match you with a qualified surrogate who supports LGBTQ families. The embryo transfer is conducted at a fertility clinic. Complete the legal process with your surrogacy specialist and attorney to ensure your parental rights are protected. Begin your life with your baby as a family.
LGBT Surrogacy FAQ
Does insurance cover surrogacy for gay couples?
Insurance coverage varies, but some policies cover certain aspects like fertility treatments. Insurance rarely ever covers agency fees, legal costs or surrogate compensation. We can help you understand your policy and will ensure you and your surrogate have the coverage you need.
Are There Surrogacy Programs for Men with HIV?
Yes. If you or your partner is living with HIV, surrogacy is still an option.
Medical advancements and programs like Special Program of Assisted Reproduction (SPAR) make surrogacy for HIV-positive couples possible.
We will ask for full medical disclosure so that the surrogate is fully informed and comfortable with the process, ensuring a smooth and respectful experience for everyone involved.
Our team will guide you through every step, from helping you find an HIV-friendly fertility clinic to matching with a surrogate who supports your journey.
Can you mix sperm for surrogacy?
No. Surrogacy laws in most states require the identity of the parents to be known to establish parentage and mixing sperm would make this difficult. However, through split IVF, half of the donor eggs can be fertilized with each partner’s sperm. The embryo with the best chances of implantation is selected for transfer.
In LGBT surrogacy, do we need to adopt our baby after birth?
In most surrogacy-friendly states, pre-birth or post-birth orders secure your parental rights. However, there are states with surrogacy laws that require a second parent adoption in certain circumstances.
Your surrogacy specialist and attorney will help you navigate the legal process to ensure your parental rights are protected.
Is surrogacy for gay parents legal?
Yes, surrogacy is legal for LGBT parents in most states, though laws for establishing parentage vary. We help match you with surrogates in LGBT surrogacy-friendly locations.
Can single LGBT individuals pursue surrogacy?
Yes! Our surrogacy programs are inclusive of single intended parents, providing the same support and resources to help you grow your family. However, it’s important to note that covering the costs of surrogacy on one income may prove more challenging.