The traditional family model has evolved in recent years, and same-sex parent families are increasingly established. Family diversity is now a social reality. There are many types of families: same-sex parent families, single-parent families, blended families, and adoptive families.

In this article, we will discuss same-sex parenting and same-sex parent families consisting of lesbian or gay couples with one or more children. Finally, we will explore the different fertility treatments available to form a family.

Same-Sex Parenting or Same-Sex Parent Families: What Do They Entail?

A same-sex parent family consists of a couple of two men or two women who are the parents of one or more children. Nowadays, the diversity of family types is possible thanks to advancements in legislation around the world. Notable developments include the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2005, the regulation of civil unions, and the possibility for single women and married lesbian couples to use assisted reproduction treatments to become mothers.

Fertility Treatments: Options for Forming a Same-Sex Parent Family

Fertility treatments help many same-sex couples have children. However, there are different options available for women and men to achieve biological parenthood.

Female Couples

Lesbian couples can form a same-sex parent family with the following fertility treatments using donor sperm:

• Artificial Insemination (AI): This is the simplest treatment and the one that most respects the natural environment of the gametes. One of the two women in the couple undergoes artificial insemination with donor sperm.
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): This is the most sought-after technique in our country, along with artificial insemination. After fertilizing the egg of one of the women with donor sperm in the laboratory, the embryo is transferred to her uterus to achieve pregnancy.
• ROPA Method (Reception of Oocytes from the Partner): This is an increasingly popular technique that allows both women to enjoy shared motherhood and contribute their genetic material to the future baby. One of them provides the eggs, which are fertilized with donor sperm, and the other woman receives the embryos and carries the pregnancy.

Male Couples

The only way for gay couples to have biological children is through surrogacy with egg donation, where a woman agrees to be the gestational carrier and gives birth to a baby that belongs to the intended parents.

Another option for male couples to form a same-sex parent family is adoption. In our country, same-sex couples (both male and female) can adopt a child. However, international adoption is more challenging because there are few countries that facilitate this process for same-sex parents.

If you also wish to form your own same-sex parent family, at Celagem, Assisted Reproduction Clinic, we will be happy to help you fulfill your dream with your partner. We specialize in fertility treatments with mild stimulation and natural cycles, an excellent alternative for female couples.

It is important to contact an agency that inspires trust and security. Couples who choose one of these methods must undergo a series of psychological and medical evaluations to ensure the successful development of the program. This is due to the regulation of these techniques in many countries, as they represent a new way of forming families for same-sex individuals.

For more information on surrogacy, visit Grandes Corazones, and to learn more about egg donation, visit Make a New Family.

At Celagem, we offer various surrogacy programs to start the process in countries with high annual demand, such as Colombia. Access our blog to learn more about surrogacy and assisted motherhood.