There are numerous avenues for LGBTQ+ individuals looking to start a family, each accompanied by its own cost considerations. These expenses can vary widely based on factors like geographic location and the specific clinics involved. Below, we outline some common methods of conception and their respective costs.
Anonymous Donor Sperm
Acquiring sperm from a sperm bank generally falls within the range of $300 to $1,500 for a 0.5 cc vial. To enhance the chances of conception, it’s advisable to purchase multiple vials per cycle.
Known Donor Sperm
If you opt for a known donor, even with home insemination, costs can range from $100 to $1,000. This includes potential legal fees to ensure proper parentage documentation. If you wish to have the donor undergo fertility and sexually transmitted infection testing, expect to pay an additional $25 to $300.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
The average cost for an initial IVF cycle using fresh eggs is between $12,000 and $15,000, plus about $1,500 to $6,000 for medication. Subsequent attempts involving Frozen Embryo Transfers (FET) usually cost between $4,000 and $7,000 per attempt. If an egg donor is necessary, expect to add another $25,000 to $30,000.
Reciprocal IVF (R-IVF)
This method, where one partner’s eggs are fertilized and subsequently transferred to the other partner, shares a similar price range of $12,000 to $15,000 for the procedure. Both partners will need medication, bringing the total cost to between $3,000 and $8,000 per cycle.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Often referred to as “artificial insemination,” IUI can be conducted either at home with a nurse or midwife or in a doctor’s office, costing anywhere from $250 to $4,000 per attempt.
Gestational Surrogacy
This option, where the person carrying the baby is not the egg donor, can be quite expensive, ranging from $60,000 to over $150,000.
Traditional Surrogacy
This type of surrogacy, where the surrogate is also the egg donor, can vary significantly in cost depending on the methods used for insemination and associated medical and legal fees. Costs are generally lower than gestational surrogacy, particularly if IVF is not involved. In the case of compassionate traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate does not receive compensation, there may still be significant legal costs to ensure parental rights are established.
Egg or Sperm Freezing
Transgender individuals seeking to preserve their fertility can face high costs, as most insurance plans do not cover these procedures. Sperm freezing typically costs between $250 and $1,500 per specimen, with annual storage fees from $175 to $750. Egg freezing is more invasive and averages between $7,000 and $12,000 per cycle, along with annual storage fees of $350 to $700.
“DIY” Approaches
Many LGBTQ+ individuals explore non-traditional methods of family building, including platonic co-parenting and at-home insemination with known donors. While these approaches can be more cost-effective, they still often require legal fees of $100 to $1,000. Many LGBTQ+ parents choose not to secure legal parentage, which is a personal decision. While we recommend ensuring legal rights to protect your family, it’s essential to consider what works best for you financially, emotionally, and legally.
Second or Step-Parent Adoptions
To secure legal rights for the non-biological parent, many LGBTQ+ parents pursue second-parent adoption. Depending on state requirements, costs can range from $250 to $3,000. In some instances, the home study may be waived, saving a significant amount.
Affording Your Path to Pregnancy
Depending on your chosen method, various resources can help mitigate the costs of starting a family.
Insurance
Coverage for fertility treatments varies widely by policy. It’s crucial to check with your insurance provider to understand what procedures are included.
Fertility Loans
Several financial organizations specialize in fertility financing, providing loans and payment plans to prospective parents. Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics may also offer financing for procedures not covered by insurance. Organizations like Prosper Healthcare Lending and New Life Fertility Finance are worth exploring.
Grants
While grants are available to assist the LGBTQ+ community with family-building expenses, eligibility often depends on geographic location.
Employer-sponsored Family Building Programs
Larger employers increasingly offer reimbursement for fertility treatments, including IVF and surrogacy, so it’s wise to inquire about your employer’s policies.
To further explore options for pregnancy within the LGBTQ+ community, check out our resources, such as our Paths to Pregnancy Handbook and Family Building for the Trans Community. If you’re interested in a DIY approach, consider checking out Make a Mom for at-home insemination services, which also provides an innovative reusable option. For a free sperm donor matching service, visit Vegas Pregnancy. For more information on the at-home insemination process, see Make a Mom’s How It Works page.
Lastly, you can learn more about the postpartum experience from our blog here and read additional insights on pregnancy challenges at Modern Family Blog. For a comprehensive overview of pregnancy and home insemination, refer to this MedlinePlus resource.
In summary, the journey to parenthood for LGBTQ+ individuals is multifaceted and often requires careful consideration of costs and options. Each path presents unique challenges, but with the right resources and support, starting a family is entirely achievable.