Beyond Pride Month: Our Ongoing Commitment to the LGBTQ+ Community
As a leading fertility clinic in New York City, Chelsea Fertility NYC is a strong, proud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. In honor of Pride Month, we acknowledge the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood. Family-building can be a particularly arduous path for LGBTQ+ families, replete with various financial, legal, and emotional concerns.
At Chelsea Fertility NYC, we proudly offer unwavering support and assistance in family-building for the LGBTQ+ community. Our commitment to inclusivity extends beyond Pride Month, as we stand by you every step of the way throughout the entire year. We define a family as two or more people (even your baby) sharing common values, who form a deeply loving bond, regardless of sexual orientation or relationship status. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect from an LGBTQ+ family-building journey.
Fertility Treatments for LGBTQ+ Patients
All of our patients, regardless of their sexual orientation and family-building goals, start their journeys by speaking with our team about their medical history, potential treatment options, and financial options. This is the time to voice any questions and concerns and schedule any testing. To keep the process moving, our staff will use this time to coordinate any donor arrangements or legal consultations. Over the past 25 years, our physicians have made great strides in infertility and reproductive healthcare. This experience, coupled with past decades’ technological advances, enables us to provide LGBTQ+ patients with open access to effective fertility treatments.
Fertility Care for Lesbian Couples & Individuals
After undergoing a comprehensive fertility testing process, including medical histories, family histories, and detailed physical evaluations, the next step in the lesbian family-building journey is often to choose a sperm donor, whether from a sperm bank or a known donor. From there, our fertility specialists help determine the best course of fertility treatment. In many cases, intrauterine insemination (IUI) is often the first treatment performed. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is also an option.
Reciprocal IVF is a specialized assisted reproductive technology designed specifically for cisgender lesbian couples. In this process, one partner contributes her eggs, which are then fertilized using donor sperm, either anonymously or from a known source. Following successful fertilization, the resulting embryo is transferred to the other partner's uterus, enabling her to carry the pregnancy to term.
Fertility Care for Gay Male Couples & Individuals
Building a family can present unique challenges for gay male couples and individuals due to the biological realities of reproduction. While gay men may not have eggs or uteruses, they can still become fathers biologically through egg donation and gestational surrogacy.
Through the Chelsea Fertility NYC egg donor program, we offer both fresh and frozen egg donor cycles. Donated eggs are typically anonymous, although some folks choose to work with someone they know, such as a friend or family member. The donated eggs are then fertilized using sperm from one or both partners. The ensuing embryos can be frozen for a later IVF cycle or transferred to the uterus of a gestational surrogate, which is someone who carries a pregnancy and gives birth to a baby for another family.
Our Non-Profit LGBTQ+ Organization
As part of our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, Chelsea Fertility NYC has established our own non-profit educational organization – the Chelsea Family Foundation. Our foundation provides LGBTQ+ families with the resources needed to start or grow their families. If you’d like to donate, please visit our GoFundMe page.
Helping LGBTQ+ Patients Achieve Family-Building Dreams
Chelsea Fertility NYC stands as a strong and proud advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. During Pride Month and beyond, we recognize and address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and couples on their path to parenthood. Our commitment to inclusivity extends to all families, regardless of sexual orientation or relationship status, as we believe that a family is defined by love. If you are embarking on an LGBTQ+ family-building journey, we are here to guide you. Contact Chelsea Fertility NYC for a consultation today.
