Surrogacy for LGBTQ+ Families: Expanding Through Assisted Reproduction

TL;DR: LGBTQ+ family building can involve IVF, donor eggs or sperm, and (for many families) gestational surrogacy. The most important early decisions are usually: donor choices, embryo planning with a clinic, and state-law/parentage planning. When those are aligned, the rest of the journey becomes much clearer.

Common LGBTQ+ family-building pathways (high level)

Every family is different, but these are common patterns:

For two dads / male couples

Many families pursue:

1. Donor eggs (an egg donor creates embryos through IVF)
2. Embryo creation (with one partner’s sperm, both partners’ sperm, or additional options)
3. Gestational surrogacy (embryo transfer to a gestational carrier)

Related resources:

• Surrogacy overview: /surrogacy
• Egg donor basics: /egg-donor

For two moms / female couples

Some families carry the pregnancy themselves (with IVF or other treatments). Others pursue gestational surrogacy when:

• carrying isn’t medically advised,
• carrying isn’t possible,
• or it isn’t the right fit for the family’s circumstances.

For trans and nonbinary intended parents

Options can include fertility preservation, IVF, donor gametes, and/or gestational surrogacy depending on medical context and goals. A supportive fertility clinic can help build an individualized plan.

Why legal and state-law planning matters

Surrogacy and parentage rules vary by state. For LGBTQ+ families, it’s especially important to plan early around:

• which state(s) are involved (where you live, where the surrogate lives, delivery state),
• what parentage steps are typical in those states,
• what documentation and timelines are required.

Start here:

• Laws and policies hub: /surrogacy/laws-and-policies

Donor decisions (what to consider)

Donor decisions are personal and often involve:

• genetic preferences,
• medical screening requirements,
• openness/communication preferences,
• logistics and timeline.

If you’re exploring egg donation:

• Egg donor requirements: /egg-donor/requirements
• Egg donor process: /egg-donor/process

How a surrogacy agency supports the process

A surrogacy agency typically helps coordinate:

• screening and matching,
• expectations and communication planning,
• milestone tracking and support,
• alignment with legal and clinic steps.

Learn more:

• Intended parents process: /intended-parents/process
• Surrogacy FAQs: /surrogacy/faqs

Next steps

If you’re exploring LGBTQ+ family building and want help mapping a clear plan, contact Patriot Conceptions.