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Surrogacy for Gay, Lesbian and LGBTQ+ Intended Parents

Written by Pooja Patel, MD — MBBS (Seth G.S. Medical College & K.E.M. Hospital); Fellowship in Embryology; Manager, Surrogacy4All. Dr. Patel manages surrogate screening, matching and journey coordination at Surrogacy4All’s New York program. Medically reviewed by Rashmi Gulati, MD — Board Certified, Internal Medicine; Medical Advisor, Surrogacy4All; privileges at Mount Sinai Hospital.

AI Smart Summary

Surrogacy is the most common path to biological parenthood for gay male couples and single men, and an important option for lesbian, transgender and non-binary parents who cannot carry. Two dads need an egg donor and a gestational surrogate; two moms may use reciprocal IVF or a surrogate. Programs from $120,000 (totals $120,000–$180,000) plus donor costs; 15–18 months. Surrogacy4All has matched LGBTQ+ parents since 2006 under New York State license GSP220903, whose law protects parents regardless of marital status, orientation or gender identity.

Facts Table:

Fact Value
Pathways Egg donor + surrogate (two dads); reciprocal IVF or surrogate (two moms)
Program Cost From $120,000; totals $120,000–$180,000, plus donor cycle
Parentage Both parents named on the order in pre-birth-order states
Timeline 15–18 months
License / Registration GSP220903; FDA FEI #3021544308
Locations New York, Toronto, Accra
Success Rates (source) Surrogacy4All internal outcome data: selected donor-egg/donor-derived embryo journeys have shown approximately 67–70%+ live birth on the first embryo transfer and 95%+ cumulative live birth by the second embryo transfer. These are internal outcomes, not SART national statistics or a guarantee; individual results vary by embryo, clinic and patient/surrogate factors.— SART
Surrogacy is the most common path to biological parenthood for gay male couples and single men, and an important option for lesbian couples and transgender parents who cannot or choose not to carry. For two dads the journey needs an egg donor plus a gestational surrogate; for two moms it may be reciprocal IVF (one partner’s egg, the other carries) or a surrogate. The cost, timeline and legal steps are the same as for any intended parents — $120,000–$180,000 and 15–18 months — with a handful of legal points specific to LGBTQ+ families that this page covers.
Surrogacy4All has matched LGBTQ+ intended parents since 2006 and is licensed by New York State, whose surrogacy law explicitly protects parents regardless of marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The pathways

Family Egg Sperm Who Carries Notes
Two dads Donor One or both partners Gestational surrogate Embryos from both partners common
Two moms (one can carry) Partner A Donor Partner B (reciprocal IVF) No surrogate needed
Two moms (neither can carry) Partner Donor Gestational surrogate
Single dad Donor Own Gestational surrogate See single-parent guide
Single mom (cannot carry) Own or donor Donor Gestational surrogate
Trans / non-binary parent Preserved own or donor Preserved own or donor Self or surrogate Coordinate with endocrinologist

Two Dads

Choose an egg donor (known or from a donor program), decide whose sperm to use — many couples create embryos with both partners' sperm and transfer one from each over time — and match with a surrogate. Our egg donor programs are EggDonors4All and IndianEggDonors; both link from this page.

Two Moms

If either partner can carry, reciprocal IVF gives one partner a genetic link and the other a gestational link. If neither can carry, a surrogate carries an embryo from one partner's egg and donor sperm.

Transgender & Non-Binary Parents

Fertility preservation before medical transition (sperm or egg freezing) preserves the option of a genetic child; a surrogate carries. Our physicians coordinate with your endocrinologist on timing.

Surrogate Requirements and Qualifications

Legal: securing both parents' names

The goal is a birth certificate and a court order naming both intended parents, issued in the surrogate’s state. In pre-birth-order states (California, New York, Colorado, Illinois, Washington, Nevada, Connecticut and others) both parents are named before delivery. In post-birth states the order follows delivery. A few states still require a second-parent adoption for the non-genetic parent; we avoid matching in those states unless you prefer them. The 50-state table on our laws page shows same-sex recognition for every state.

For international recognition, a second-parent adoption is sometimes added even when a pre-birth order exists, because some countries do not recognize US parentage orders for same-sex couples. Our attorneys advise on this by destination.

Cost and insurance

Two dads should budget the standard $120,000–$180,000 plus $25,000–$45,000 for the donor cycle. Employer fertility benefits increasingly cover LGBTQ+ family building without an infertility diagnosis; our benefits database lists them. Insurance for the surrogate's pregnancy works the same as for any intended parents.

International options

Canada, Colombia and the Republic of Georgia have different rules for same-sex and single intended parents; our Ghana and Georgia program pages state current eligibility.

Timeline

Egg donor selection and retrieval usually run in parallel with surrogate matching, so the total remains 15–18 months.

As an LGBT Couple Why Should I Use Your Agency?

We are here to help you fulfill your dream of becoming a parent!

Overview

Many gay men yearn to have families. Some LGBT couples look upon having a baby as a culmination of their relationship with their partner.

Usually LGBT couples start thinking of parenthood once they passed the age of 30. They viewed parenthood as a reflection of the stability of their relationship, and financial and career security. In a recent survey, most of them viewed having a baby as “planned and responsible” parenthood.

We recognize that for LGBT couples there are unique societal challenges and a difficult cultural environment that makes it complicated for having and caring for a family

At Surrogacy4All it is our goal to ensure to the best of our ability, the long-term health and safety of everyone involved in the surrogacy process. This includes the Intended Parents, the Surrogate, the Egg Donor and especially the babies.

To ensure this works for everyone, the first step is for us to meet with you by phone and preferably in person, to fully understand your needs, goals and desires. We view this as being a relationship where we support you throughout the surrogacy process, from the beginning until you have a beautiful baby in your arms. 

Remember to make this work for everyone, we need to be able to match you as Intended Parents with the right Egg Donors, Surrogates and IVF Clinics, whose personalities and services provided fit your expectations.

*Surrogacy in Ghana and India is prohibited for LGBTQ same-sex couples.

How do you select the Egg Donor?

The Egg Donor is usually the first item to be addressed, and one of the most important parts of the process. While the Surrogate function is that of a carrier, the DNA of your baby will come from you and your egg donor. Your sperm will be mixed with her eggs at the IVF Clinic to create the embryos.

For many couples the generosity of the egg donor to donate her eggs, solves the heartbreaking issues associated with a lack of usable female eggs to have a baby. They are a fundamental part of helping intended parents create a family.

Most probably, you have a mental idea of the kind of donor you are looking for in terms of age, physical appearance, education, family history and personality. Our goal is to make this dream come true.

Gay Surrogacy: Building Your Family with Confidence

Gay surrogacy offers gay individuals and male same-sex couples a trusted and proven path to biological parenthood. At Surrogacy4All, we provide comprehensive support throughout every stage of the journey, from selecting an egg donor and matching with a carefully screened gestational surrogate to coordinating IVF treatment, legal agreements, and pregnancy support. Our physician-led team works with experienced fertility clinics and reproductive attorneys to help ensure a safe, ethical, and well-organized process. Whether you’re just beginning to explore gay surrogacy or are ready to start your family-building journey, we’re committed to providing compassionate guidance and personalized care every step of the way.

Gay Surrogacy Building Your Family with Confidence

Lesbian Surrogacy: Personalized Family-Building Options

For lesbian couples, surrogacy can be an excellent option when pregnancy is not medically possible or when a gestational carrier is the preferred choice. Depending on your family’s goals, IVF may involve one partner’s eggs, donor sperm, and a gestational surrogate, allowing for a personalized approach to parenthood. Surrogacy4All offers compassionate guidance, fertility coordination, legal support, and ongoing care to help lesbian couples confidently navigate every step of their family-building journey.

Surrogacy for Single Parents

Parenthood is possible whether you’re single by choice or circumstance. Surrogacy4All proudly supports single intended parents by providing individualized guidance throughout the surrogacy process. From choosing an egg or sperm donor and creating embryos through IVF to matching with a qualified surrogate and completing the necessary legal steps, our experienced team is committed to making your journey as smooth as possible. With personalized support, transparent communication, and expert medical and legal coordination, we help single parents achieve their dream of welcoming a child into their lives.

For USA Egg Donors

For an American Donor, as a starting point, we refer you to our affiliated website: www.IndianEggDonors.com, where we have over 1,000 Egg Donor profiles. Follow directions to log in and do a free search. Keep a list of the top five egg donors you like in order of preference and bring it with you when you come to see us. It will help us in in helping you plan.

For Overseas Egg Donors:

Overseas donors are again usually selected based upon on your personal preferences. We offer several options:

1

Caucasian Egg Donors

These are usually from Eastern Europe including Ukraine as well as from Ghana. For a higher cost we can provide American donors who occasionally are willing to go overseas for an “Egg Donation” vacation. Frozen eggs are also available as an option

Black Egg Donors

2

These we typically provide through the clinic overseas They are inexpensive and locally available. Again, for a higher cost we can provide American donors who occasionally are willing to go overseas for an “Egg Donation” vacation.

Indian Egg Donors

3

These are typically provided from Ghana. Indian las do not allow for the export of frozen eggs or embryos Again, for a higher cost we can provide American donors who occasionally are willing to go overseas for an “Egg Donation” vacation. Frozen eggs may also be available as an option

Please let us know your preferences and we can arrange to send you several profiles for your review.

How Do You Select the Surrogate?

The selection of the surrogate is itself an important decision. We recommend the surrogate to be a person who is not driven solely or even primarily by money. As part of our psychological screening we look for a surrogacy mother who combines the appropriate mixture of altruism and other motivations (“I like being pregnant”) along with the financial incentives. 

Our best choice of surrogates typically is those that already have one or two children, do not want any more children of her own, liked being pregnant and liked helping other people. Basically a “good kind person”. Many come from the helping professions with careers as teachers or nurses and feel the most beautiful when they are pregnant.

One surrogate stated the reason she became a surrogate is because “No matter what else I do in my life, I will always feel I have done something to help make a meaningful defense in another person.

FAQ

Yes, in every surrogacy-friendly state; both parents are named on the parentage order.
$120,000–$180,000 plus $25,000–$45,000 for the egg donor cycle.

Your choice; many couples create embryos with both.

Yes, in pre-birth-order and most post-birth-order states.
No, in most states, including New York.
Sometimes, depending on medical history; otherwise a surrogate carries an embryo from his own eggs if preserved.

Surrogacy laws for same-sex couples in New York may differ by judge and jurisdiction, adding complexity to parentage orders. For a clear understanding of your LGBT surrogacy journey in the state, consult with a knowledgeable New York surrogacy attorney like Surrogacy4All, who can guide you through the intricate legal landscape.

New York legally allows second-parent adoptions, offering unmarried intended parents the means to secure parental rights for their surrogacy-born child. Consult with a highly recommended attorney in New York to assess whether a second-parent adoption is essential in your unique situation, ensuring proper legal protection for your family’s journey.

The Child-Parent Security Act enables prospective parents to obtain a pre-birth order, irrespective of biological ties to the child. Individual circumstances vary, so it’s crucial for intended parents to consult a knowledgeable New York surrogacy attorney to understand specific requirements for their situation.

International intended parents pursuing surrogacy in New York should note that state laws exclusively apply to residents and citizens. As such, there are no provisions for those outside the U.S. Seeking legal advice from professionals familiar with both their home country’s laws and the chosen surrogacy destination is crucial for compliance and understanding international regulations.

My sperm count is low Any suggestions before I give a sample?

Many men will benefit by taking supplements before sperm donation. Our Holistic and Integrative Physicians recommend the following supplements for your use .

Supplements Recommended

To order these supplements, call 1-212-794-8800 to place an order.

Talk to a physician-led team

Free consultation with our medical and matching team. Call (212) 661-7673, email info@surrogacy4all.com, or request a call back.

    Supplements Recommended

    Written by Pooja Patel, MD — MBBS (Seth G.S. Medical College & K.E.M. Hospital); Fellowship in Embryology; Manager, Surrogacy4All. Dr. Patel manages surrogate screening, matching and journey coordination at Surrogacy4All’s New York program. Medically reviewed by Rashmi Gulati, MD — Board Certified, Internal Medicine; Medical Advisor, Surrogacy4All; privileges at Mount Sinai Hospital. Last updated: 27 August 2026.