LGBTQIA+ Family Building

donor recipient consultations

The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends that those using donor sperm, donor eggs, or donor embryos complete a mental health consultation. This consultation is provided to discuss the complexities that arise in third party reproduction. While this consultation is required for all individuals and couples using donor eggs/sperm/embryos, there are topics that are specific to LGBTQIA+ families that we will discuss in our consultation. For example, if you are a two mom family, we will discuss your decisions related to who will provide eggs and who will gestate. We will discuss options that may be available to you, including IUI, IVF, and reciprocal IVF. Optimally, we will meet prior to choosing a donor, so we can fully discuss the many options available in choosing a donor (known/directed, unknown/bank, and various levels of openness). In a two dad family, we will review the donor aspect, as well as the gestational carrier portion of the process of bringing a child into your family. In all cases, we will discuss how to ensure your donor conceived child develops a healthy identity with your support and guidance.

IUI- Home insemination

If you have chosen to build your family in the privacy of your home with a directed donor, or with sperm from a donor bank, you may have questions about how to manage the emotional aspects of third party reproduction. I am available for a one-time consultation, or for ongoing therapy sessions as needed to help process the complex aspects related to having a child using donor sperm. Some questions I often discuss with clients include decisions related to choosing a donor, whether to choose a known donor or sperm bank donor, whether to choose an identity release donor from a sperm bank, how to manage possible donor sibling relationships, and many other topics.