Shared Biological Parenthood: How Co-IVF Is Empowering LGBTQ+ Couples
Over the past several decades, the definition of family has beautifully expanded. Today, families are created and cherished in many forms—by single parents, LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, and beyond. With this growing recognition has come greater demand for inclusive reproductive technologies. One of the most exciting and meaningful developments in this space is reciprocal in vitro fertilization, commonly known as Co-IVF.
What Is Co-IVF?
Co-IVF is a fertility treatment designed for couples in which both partners have a uterus—most often same-sex female couples or transgender and nonbinary individuals who retain reproductive capacity. The process allows both partners to physically and biologically participate in creating a child: one partner provides the eggs, while the other carries the pregnancy.
This collaborative approach to parenthood transforms what were once barriers—such as one partner having diminished ovarian reserve or another unable to carry a pregnancy—into opportunities for shared connection and choice. Co-IVF allows couples to decide together how to best contribute to the reproductive process, based on medical considerations and personal preferences.
Choosing Each Partner’s Role
Determining who will be the egg provider and who will carry the pregnancy is a deeply personal decision. Medical factors such as age, ovarian reserve, uterine health, and existing conditions (like endometriosis or prior surgeries) play a significant role. Equally important are each partner’s emotional preferences and how they envision their role in the journey to parenthood.
For some, the desire to carry and birth a child is essential; for others, contributing genetically may be more meaningful. Co-IVF uniquely honors both paths—offering shared biological parenthood, deepening connection, and creating a meaningful bond between both parents and their child.
Other Inclusive Fertility Options
While Co-IVF is a powerful and increasingly popular option, it's just one of several family-building paths available to LGBTQ+ couples and individuals. Other fertility treatments include:
• Donor Intrauterine Insemination (DIUI): A simpler and often lower-cost method, where one partner is inseminated with donor sperm and carries the pregnancy.
• Traditional IVF with Donor Sperm: Eggs from one partner are fertilized with donor sperm in a lab, and the resulting embryo is transferred back into the same partner's uterus.
• Gestational Carrier Options: For couples or individuals who cannot carry a pregnancy, using a gestational carrier may be the best choice. The embryo is created using one partner's egg and donor sperm (or donor egg and sperm), and carried by another person.
Comprehensive Support at RMA of New York
At RMA of New York, we’re committed to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and couples at every step of their fertility journey. Our care team helps patients explore all available options and choose the one that aligns with their goals, health needs, and personal vision of parenthood.
We provide:
• Expert fertility evaluations
• Full access to egg and sperm donation resources
• Gestational carrier coordination
• LGBTQ+ affirming counseling and support services
Looking Ahead
Assisted reproductive technology continues to evolve, offering more inclusive and affirming ways to build a family. As access to treatments like Co-IVF grows, so does visibility, representation, and acceptance for LGBTQ+ families.
Shared biological parenthood is not only possible—it’s thriving. And it’s helping reshape what it means to be a parent in the 21st century.