Over the past couple of decades, gay and lesbian residents in Connecticut and around the nation have seen some improvements in their ability to live their lives fully. The legalization of same-sex marriage is just one example of this. While the changes may be slower than many would like, they are happening and now there are more gay and lesbian couples who are able to realize their dreams of having a family.
As reported by The Hour, Connecticut in particular is a place that is leading the way for many same-sex couples to become parents. Even in nearby New Jersey and New York, a contract for a surrogate may not be able to be enforced. Canada is the only other nation in the world that even allows surrogacy legally.
One fertility clinic in the state has indicated that it has experienced a jump by up to 50 percent in the number of same-sex couples coming to it for assistance in having children. Nationally the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology reports that embryo transfers to a surrogate rose by 250 percent in the decade spanning from 2005 to 2015. Those are not all attributed to same-sex couples but it is believed many are.
While the social stereotypes around having two dads or two moms are breaking down, what remains difficult for many same-sex couples is the cost of having a child. This is especially burdensome on gay men as they are reliant on surrogates whereas one of the partners in a lesbian couple can biologically carry their child.