Gay fertility treatment

Numerous avenues exist for prospective parents whose pregnancies cannot occur via sexual intercourse.

Potential avenues for parenthood encompass:

• donor insemination
• IUI (intrauterine insemination)
• surrogacy
• adoption or fostering
• co-parenting

A range of options can support those facing fertility challenges in conceiving, such as IVF (in vitro fertilization).

Procedures like IUI and IVF can occasionally be covered by the NHS, contingent upon various factors like the parent's age. To ascertain eligibility, consult with a general practitioner or a regional integrated care board (ICB).

Surrogacy services are not typically available through the NHS system.

These reproductive pathways are accessible to diverse individuals, encompassing singles and same-sex couples alike.

Donor insemination

A process wherein sperm is introduced into the recipient. This can be facilitated at home, through a licensed fertility clinic, a sperm bank, or by an individual known to the recipient.

For optimal outcomes, choosing a licensed fertility clinic for donor insemination is preferred, given that sperm is screened for infections and certain genetic conditions. These facilities frequently offer guidance and legal counsel.

Should the donor not be from a licensed facility, the sperm provider should seek testing for sexually transmitted infections at a sexual health clinic.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) in the UK monitors and ensures the adherence to safety and legal standards for licensed fertility clinics.

Further details are available.

IUI (intrauterine insemination)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) involves the placement of sperm within the womb of the recipient. This procedure is executed by licensed fertility clinics, utilizing sperm from a known donor or a sperm bank.

Licensed fertility clinics rigorously screen donated sperm for sexually transmitted infections and potential genetic predispositions.

Explore licensed clinics through the HFEA's fertility clinic database.

Co-parenting

A collaborative approach to conception and child-rearing involving two or more individuals.

Co-parenting arrangements typically do not grant sole custody, and seeking legal counsel early in the process is recommended.

Crucial considerations in co-parenting involve financial division and other logistical aspects.

Adoption or fostering 

Adoption or fostering applications can be submitted to local authorities or dedicated agencies. Applicants are not restricted by their place of residence, and single individuals are welcome to apply.

Pre-adoption or fostering assessment involves a social worker-led evaluation and preparatory training.

Further details are available.

Surrogacy

Surrogacy entails a gestational carrier giving birth to a child for an individual or couple unable or unwilling to conceive.

In the UK, either the sperm or egg donor, but not both, can be utilized in surrogacy arrangements.

Legally sanctioned in the UK, surrogacy lacks commercial advertising and prohibits monetary compensation for the surrogate.

Further details are available.

Trans and non-binary parents

Individuals contemplating or currently undergoing gender transition treatment can access HFEA resources pertinent to fertility treatment for trans and non-binary individuals.