LBGQTI Families
LBGQTI Families?
LBGQTI people often access IVF services to help start their family. These families are a celebration of diversity and love, and they come in many forms. At Newcastle Fertility Specialists we love working with the gender diverse community to help you on your journey.
Let's Explore
Same-sex women
At what stage in the process should same-sex women come to the clinic?
We encourage you to come along early in the piece so we can start to get a few tests done, and so we can refer you to the Genaea counsellor who can help you with accessing one of our sperm donor options. Ideally, allow 3-6 six months to get everything set up before you start treatment — that gives us plenty of time to do the tests, see the nurses, choose a donor, or (if you choose one of these options) import a donor from overseas, or go on a local donor waiting list.
Same-sex men
At what stage should same-sex men see you?
Same-sex men who are coming in to do surrogacy through our clinic would be best seen at a very early juncture in the process, as there are a lot of moving parts to set up an egg donor and a surrogate — along with the legalities involved with surrogate contracts.
The Process
What are our options for starting a family?
Same-sex couples have several options for starting a family. These include at home inseminations, clinic inseminations, In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) with donor sperm or eggs, surrogacy, adoption, and fostering. Your choice depends on individual circumstances, preferences, and medical considerations.
What’s Involved in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)?
Assisted reproductive technologies involve procedures like IVF, IUI (intrauterine insemination), and surrogacy. IVF typically includes stimulating the ovaries, retrieving eggs, fertilising them with donor sperm or a partner’s sperm, and transferring embryos into the uterus. Surrogacy involves using a gestational volunteer to carry the pregnancy.
How do we choose a donor?
Donor selection is a personal choice. You can choose a known donor (friend or family member) or an unidentified donor through a sperm bank. Factors to consider are genetics, health, and personal preferences. We also encourage you to think about how your children may feel in the future. Counselling and legal guidance are essential to navigate the complexities involved.
What are the success rates with same-sex couples?
Success rates depend on factors like age, health, and the chosen method. IVF success rates for LGBTQ+ couples are the same as those for heterosexual couples. We can provide you with more precise statistics based on your circumstances or please review our IVF success rates.
Can I swap eggs with my partner?
Yes! You name it and we have probably done it already. One partner who uses their eggs to create embryos & the other partner carries the pregnancy is very common. We also help people who are travelling overseas for treatment in another country.
More FAQs
What are the legal considerations for Rainbow Families?
When you see the counsellor they will explain the law in NSW. If you also need legal advice or outside counselling we have a list of contacts we share who can help & are familiar with LBGQTI families. It can seem daunting but we are here to help.
How will financing work?
When it comes to access and financing, you’re treated exactly the same way as any heterosexual couple we treat. You will receive a Medicare rebate unless you do not have a Medicare card.
“We see you as a family we are helping, just like any other couple or individual that we treat. So why should you be disadvantaged financially? ”
— Dr Myvanwy McIlveen