By Dr. Jane Tucker, MD, Board-Certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Building a family as an LGBTQ+ individual or couple is a joyful and meaningful journey — but it also comes with unique challenges. Finding an IVF clinic or surrogacy agency that is LGBTQ+ affirming is crucial for creating a supportive, respectful, and successful experience.
In this guide, we’ll help you identify the best clinics and agencies that welcome and empower LGBTQ+ families, and what to look for during your search.
Why LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Matters in Fertility Care
Unfortunately, not all clinics and agencies are equally welcoming. LGBTQ+ intended parents may face:
- Lack of understanding about unique needs
- Gendered assumptions in consultations
- Legal or insurance limitations
- Emotional discomfort with providers
Working with inclusive, affirming providers ensures:
- Emotional safety and respect
- Family structures are validated and supported
- Legal complexities are handled correctly
Explore LGBTQ+ family building support at Surrogacy4All
Signs of an LGBTQ+ Friendly IVF Clinic
1. Inclusive Language
- “Intended parents,” not just “mom and dad”
- All genders represented in forms and communication
2. Diverse Families in Marketing
- Website and social media show same-sex and non-binary families
3. LGBTQ+ Experience
- Providers mention LGBTQ+ services clearly
- Clinic offers sperm washing, reciprocal IVF, or donor coordination
4. Legal Support
- Referrals to LGBTQ+ family lawyers
- Guidance on pre-birth and post-birth parentage orders
5. Clinic Partnerships with Surrogacy Agencies
- Seamless collaboration with LGBTQ+ inclusive agencies like Surrogacy4All
LGBTQ+ Friendly Fertility Services to Look For
Service | Description |
---|---|
Reciprocal IVF | One partner provides eggs; the other carries |
Egg or Sperm Donation | From anonymous or known LGBTQ+ donors |
Embryo Freezing & Banking | Options for future family building |
Gender-Neutral Fertility Counseling | Inclusive language and pathways |
Insurance Navigation | Support for LGBTQ+ coverage questions |
How to Vet IVF Clinics for LGBTQ+ Inclusivity
- Read reviews on FertilityIQ, Google, or RESOLVE forums
- Call ahead and ask:
“Do you have experience working with LGBTQ+ families?” - Ask how many LGBTQ+ patients they’ve worked with in the past year
- Request to speak with a coordinator who understands your unique family dynamic
LGBTQ+ Friendly IVF Clinics in the U.S.
While many clinics are becoming more inclusive, the following are known for strong LGBTQ+ programs:
- Shady Grove Fertility – Multiple U.S. locations
- Boston IVF – Massachusetts
- San Diego Fertility Center – California
- ORM Fertility – Oregon
- RMA of New Jersey – NJ & NY
- CCRM – Nationwide
- Pacific Fertility Center – San Francisco
What to Look for in an LGBTQ+ Friendly Surrogacy Agency
1. LGBTQ+ Testimonials & Case Studies
- Look for examples of gay dads, lesbian couples, or single LGBTQ+ parents
2. No Restrictions Based on Marital Status or Gender
- Some international agencies limit surrogacy to heterosexual couples
3. Surrogates Comfortable with LGBTQ+ Matches
- Surrogates should be screened and affirming of all family types
4. Access to LGBTQ+ Donors
- Diverse egg/sperm donor options that reflect the LGBTQ+ community
5. Support Groups and Counseling
- Access to LGBTQ+ parenting resources and peer support
See how Surrogacy4All supports LGBTQ+ intended parents
FAQs: LGBTQ+ Family Building
Q: Is it legal for same-sex couples to pursue surrogacy in the U.S.?
Ans. Yes, in most U.S. states, surrogacy is legal and inclusive of all family structures.
Q: What is reciprocal IVF?
Ans. One partner provides the egg, and the other carries the pregnancy — popular with lesbian couples.
Q: Can we use an egg or sperm donor and still be listed as parents?
Ans. Yes — with legal parentage orders, you will be the legal parents.
Q: Do we need to be married?
Ans. No. Surrogacy4All supports single, partnered, or married LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.
Q: How do we find a surrogate comfortable with LGBTQ+ families?
Ans. All Surrogacy4All surrogates are carefully screened and LGBTQ+ affirming.
Q: What if we live in a state with limited LGBTQ+ legal protections?
Ans. You can work with a surrogate in a more supportive state — we’ll guide you legally.
Q: Can we meet other LGBTQ+ parents?
Ans. Yes — we offer introductions, support groups, and peer mentorship.
Q: Will insurance cover LGBTQ+ IVF or surrogacy?
Ans. Coverage varies. Some employers now offer LGBTQ+-specific fertility benefits.
Q: What if we want two children from both of us?
Ans. Dual embryo transfers or sibling journeys are possible using both partners’ genetic material.
Q: How do we explain our family structure to our child?
Ans. We offer counseling and resources to help with open, age-appropriate communication.
Final Thoughts
Every family deserves to be celebrated — and supported. For LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, finding the right fertility clinic and surrogacy agency is more than a logistical step — it’s a declaration of your values and your vision of family.
At Surrogacy4All, we are proud to champion LGBTQ+ family building and provide expert support, empathy, and care at every milestone.
Start your journey today.
Schedule your free consultation or Apply to Become a Parent Now
Contact us at 1-212-661-7177 or Email info@surrogacy4all.com
Dr. Kulsoom Baloch
Dr. Kulsoom Baloch is a dedicated donor coordinator at Egg Donors, leveraging her extensive background in medicine and public health. She holds an MBBS from Ziauddin University, Pakistan, and an MPH from Hofstra University, New York. With three years of clinical experience at prominent hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan, Dr. Baloch has honed her skills in patient care and medical research.