Reciprocal IVF is a great fertility option for Intended Parents in same-sex relationships. Unlike surrogacy, it allows both female partners to biologically and emotionally participate in the child’s birth.
In this article, we will look at what reciprocal IVF means and the duration of the process. We will also discuss the costs, as well as the legal implications.
What is Reciprocal IVF?
Reciprocal IVF is also known as co-IVF, partner IVF, or shared motherhood. It is exactly what it sounds like: both the partners partake equally in the IVF process. One of them takes the initial steps, going through all the egg retrieval tests, and the egg retrieval process as well. The other partner carries the fertilized embryo in her womb and gives birth to the child.
The partner whose eggs are used is the genetic mother and the one who is carrying the pregnancy is the birth mother.
But is reciprocal IVF only for lesbian couples?
No. Even transgender men with a functioning womb or ovaries can undergo the co-IVF process.
How Long Does the Reciprocal IVF Process Take?
Reciprocal IVF is just like 3rd-party IVF, which involves the use of an Egg Donor or a Gestational Surrogate. One of the partners undergoes medical workup, genetic testing, and injectable fertility drug for a couple of weeks. The whole process leads up to the first big milestone of the process: egg retrieval.
Meanwhile, the second partner prepares for another major milestone: embryo transfer. Once the eggs are collected, they are fertilized with a donor’s sperm to produce embryos. The reproductive expert will then choose the most viable, healthy embryo to implant.
Typically, the whole process takes around 2 to 3 months. However, the duration can vary due to unexpected medical issues or circumstances.
How Much Does Reciprocal IVF Cost?
The cost is similar to that of a donor egg IVF. Based on the state you reside in, your insurance may cover some or all of the medical aspects of the process. However, a lot of insurance carriers don’t provide coverage for reciprocal IVF costs unless it’s medically necessary. In cases like these, the person whose eggs will be harvested would also have to carry the child in her womb. An IVF cycle with a fresh embryo transfer costs around $15,000-$20,000 (including the costs of fertility medications).
The reciprocal IVF costs may vary from one clinic to the other. Hence, it is important that you know all the possible expenses you may incur and whether your insurance would cover the costs.
What Are the Legal Implications?
The legal implications of reciprocal IVF can vary from one state to the next. You will want to make sure both partners have rights over the baby and that your names appear on the child’s birth certificate. This may require that one of the partners adopt the baby.
To know the best course of action, it is always advisable to speak with a lawyer who is knowledgeable about the reproductive law in your state.
What’s the Future of Reciprocal IVF?
Many years ago, same-sex and transgender couples were restricted from assisted family building options such as standard IVF, IUI, or surrogacy. These methods allowed only one of the partners to share biological ties with the baby. Thanks to reciprocal IVF, nowadays, both parents can play an intimate role in the baby’s birth.
Although only one partner provides the biological material in the process, the other can feel a connection with the baby through pregnancy and delivery.
Studies have found that cells are able to cross the placental blood barrier and introduce the DNA of the mother to the child, and vice versa. Although this may have no impact on the genetic makeup of the baby, it’s still a special connection that can exist between the mother and her baby.
Advances in reproductive technologies are making a lot of people wonder whether two female eggs can be “combined” to form an embryo. Even though we are still very far away from that reality, researchers are exploring the idea of making sperm or eggs from stem cells. Theoretically, one woman’s cell can be used to make sperm, which would then be utilized to fertilize her partner’s eggs.
Conclusion
Interested to know more about the reciprocal IVF process and transgender fertility options? Call Coastal Fertility clinic at (949) 726-0600 to schedule a consultation or chat with us.
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