LGBTQ+ Community: Colourful Families claim their rights on Happiness
The recognition of LGBTQ+ parenthood is a long-standing demand of the gay community, both in Greece and abroad. The debate is intense, and aims in the revision of the relevant national legislation. People interested aim to include in the argument the case of LGBTQ+ people who wish to create their own family. The lack of a legal framework is not in line with modern social reality. The LGBTQ+ community and families eventually succeed, despite the challenges thrown in their way.
Nowadays, modern embryology and Medically Assisted Reproduction (MRA) specialists provide medical solutions to colourful families. They can actively support the creation of different family models.
LGBTQ+ Community: The Gamble
The diversity of modern couples has shone the light of need for LGBTQ+ couples to have biological children for years. Their needs are no longer invisible in society and public debate. LGBTQ+ couples today claim to become “prospective” parents, thanks to modern fertility treatments.
The medical possibilities of science are great, and theoretically applicable to these couples as well. Appropriate therapeutic approaches and alternative regimens exist, but cannot be institutionally implemented in many European countries.
Assisted reproduction in same-sex female couples
Two women in a same-sex relationship can have a child through the following pregnancy options:
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Depending on the age and medical profile of the woman chosen to conceive, she can use donor sperm to conceive through a fairly simple and painless method. During the IUI procedure, sperm is injected into the woman’s uterus, close to the time of ovulation, through a thin catheter or syringe.
- IVF: One woman of the pair, with a suitable medical history, can carry the child to term using donor sperm and her own egg.
- IVF with Egg Donation: One woman of the couple, with a suitable medical history, can carry the child using donor sperm and a donated egg.
- Surrogacy: Due to weakness of both parties, a surrogate mother is chosen. She carries the embryo, which is either created using an egg from a woman of the couple or a donation. In all cases, the fertilization occurs using donated sperm.
LGBTQ+ Community: How is the sperm donor chosen?
The procedure is carried out by selecting an anonymous donor and obtaining their genetic material from a sperm bank. The lesbian couple chooses based on their own personal criteria and the donor’s profile. They have access to a detailed history that includes the man’s physical characteristics, such as height, weight, eye and hair colour. Disclosed is also his medical history, education level, blood group, ethnicity and some of his interests.
Assisted reproduction in same-sex male couples
Thanks to advances in reproductive technology, there are now options for same-sex male couples who wish to experience fatherhood and have a biological child. However, in many cases, this is a more complex process. In addition to egg donation, a surrogate mother is required to carry the child.
As a gay couple, there are two ways to achieve a surrogate pregnancy:
- IVF-Surrogacy: In this case, the surrogate mother (gestational carrier) carries an embryo, which has ben fertilised with a donor egg and sperm from a biological father from the couple.
- Egg donation, IVF and surrogacy: In this case, the ovulatory phase of the donor is monitored. Once the follicle has reached the desired size, ovulation and in vitro fertilization take place in the laboratory. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus of the surrogate mother for the purpose of pregnancy.
LGBTQ+ Community: Transgender parents
Transgender patients will need to consider fertility preservation measures before they undergo gender-affirming surgery. The techniques used are those applied also in IVF treatment. Egg, embryo or sperm freezing are “precautionary” options considered for people who may wish to conceive or fertilise in the future.
Are assisted reproductive techniques only for couples?
There is much debate about whether restrictions should be placed in front of a person’s expectation of becoming a parent. Members of the LGBTQ+ community who are in a partnered relationship or operating individually want to fulfil the dream of parenthood. They are asking for the right to utilize modern assisted reproductive techniques. Nowadays, there are many who believe that access to fertility services is a necessity for all. It is important to note that adequacy of parental role is not linked to the sexual orientation of parents.
LGBTQ+ Community and the Greek legislation
In Greece, assisted reproduction by law is not an option for same-sex couples, only for heterosexual ones. This includes those who are married, in a civil partnership, and single women. It is prohibited by law to have a child using a sperm donor, unless the person interested belongs to one of the aforementioned categories. The law also prohibits the usage of egg donation or surrogacy by a couple in a same-sex relationship.
There is also a legal impediment in the legislation to the recognition of a child by a same-sex couple. This is enshrined in law only to the biological mother. This applies also to cases of insemination, IVF or surrogacy. Only a notarial deed is required regarding the recognition of the child resulting from the procedure.
At Gyn Care IVF, we are able to support all LGBTQ+ couples who want to embark on their parenthood journey. Significant success rates will come about in achieving the dream and creating a new family.
Parenthood is a beautiful, life-changing journey that every person deserves to embark on. We at Gyn Care IVF are here to assist and accompany you on every step of this journey. With state-of-the-art facilities, renowned medical professionals and a passion for making your wishes come true, Gyn Care IVF ensures an affordable, but qualitative experience. Gain all necessary information about IVF in Greece by contacting us via WhatsApp or E-Mail and enjoy your stay!
