LGBTQ Fertility Options
RMA has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ fertility care since opening our doors in 1999. We are recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for our commitment and expertise in providing access to care for gay, lesbian and trans patients in a safe and professional environment.
LGBTQ Health Care Equality High Performer
RMA New Jersey is proud to receive the coveted designation “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality High Performer” in the HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index.
Every year, HRC recognizes the healthcare facilities for their dedication and commitment to LGBTQ inclusion.
Options for Gay Men
Gay men have the option of egg or embryo donation combined with gestational surrogacy. While it’s only possible to use the sperm from one man to fertilize any given egg, some gay couples choose to do split insemination, in which half of the eggs are put with one man’s sperm and the other half are put with the other man’s sperm.
We recognize that this process requires a considerable investment of time, energy, and money, not only for the medical treatment but also for the legal contracts, agency fees, and other expenses for the involved parties. We can help develop a customized treatment plan that meets a family’s needs and our team has the experience necessary to help patients every step of the way.
Options for Lesbian Women
Lesbian women have several options for starting or growing their families. Individuals and couples can choose Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, either with an anonymous or known sperm donor or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) for women who may be experiencing problems conceiving through insemination.
A team of doctors, nurses, and counselors will help patients through the process of choosing the right treatment path and sperm donor. In addition, the RMA care team can help guide patients through the process of seeking legal counsel to help prevent future legal issues with the donor over parenting rights and obligations.
Co-IVF for Lesbian Couples
IVF allows same-sex partners to share in the process of pregnancy through an approach called co-IVF or reciprocal IVF. Here, eggs are extracted from one woman, inseminated with donor sperm to create an embryo, and then the embryo is transferred back to the other woman’s uterus to carry the pregnancy. Many lesbian couples choose this shared path—it is also possible to come back for a second child and reverse who provides the egg and who carries the pregnancy.
Options for Transgender Individuals
RMA offers fertility preservation and treatment options to trans individuals and couples, both pre-and post-transition. The freezing of eggs, sperm, or embryos prior to hormone therapy or surgery allows the opportunity to participate in the genetic makeup of any planned future offspring.
While some transgender patients may be able to conceive on their own, some may need the help of assisted reproductive technology to become pregnant. Treatment options include: in vitro fertilization (which may include donor egg, sperm, or embryo), intrauterine insemination (which may include donor sperm), or gestational surrogacy.
During fertility treatment, transgender patients may need to temporarily postpone hormone therapy. Our doctors will work closely with patients to help minimize the time off of their hormone therapy.
