Deciding to start a family can certainly be exciting, but can also have its fair share of overwhelming aspects. For same sex couples, choosing an assisted reproductive technology (or ART) is a major step that can change lives forever. For Connecticut spouses interested in these procedures, there are some details to know that can make the process a smoother one.
Gay Parents to Be explains the various options same sex couples have when it comes to expanding a family. The following fertility plans are available for women:
- Artificial insemination
- In-vitro fertilization (or IVF) with one person’s egg and uterus
- A reciprocal IVF
GPB also notes that in order to begin artificial insemination, a person must meet with her primary care physician, and must be up to date on gynecologist exams and all other health care maintenance. Physicians may require that a woman has had a consistent menstrual cycle before beginning this procedure. IVF procedures involve the stimulating of the ovaries to develop multiple eggs. GPB points out that women may need to see a certified Reproductive Endocrinologist in order to move forward with this plan. Lastly, reciprocal IVF involves one woman donating eggs to her partner, after which her partner carries the pregnancy. Similar screening processes may also be required for this plan.
NBC News highlights the widespread availability of ART procedures and the ways they can transform lives. By the same token, the news source also comments on the exorbitant prices of many of these reproductive technology plans. According to NBC, most couples who choose surrogacy do not have the option of both an egg donor and volunteer surrogate; when both of these factors are involved, the cost can quickly skyrocket to $100,000 or more. Surrogacy laws also vary depending on the state, and couples should be aware of changing regulations. As for IVF, the average procedure costs between $12,000 and $15,000. ART options may be vast, but it can be crucial to completely review the details involved.