LGBTQIA+ Fertility Care & Family Building LGBTQIA+ Fertility Care & Family Building

LGBTQIA+ Fertility Care & Family Building

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Guiding Your Journey to Parenthood

At Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey (RSCNJ), we are proud to support the family-building goals of the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, nonbinary, or questioning, our team is here to help you explore the fertility options that can make parenthood possible.

We believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, high-quality fertility care. Many LGBTQIA+ patients may need assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to build their families, and like anyone trying to conceive, some may also face infertility challenges along the way. Infertility affects approximately one in six individuals of reproductive age, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. That’s why testing and personalized fertility planning are key first steps.

LGBTQIA+ Fertility Care Options in New Jersey

Every family story is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to LGBTQIA+ fertility care. We offer a full range of services and technologies to help you find the best path forward for your needs and goals.

  • For those with female reproductive systems:

    Testing may include hormone evaluations, ovarian reserve testing, ovulation tracking, and imaging studies to assess uterine health and fallopian tube function. These tests help determine fertility potential and whether the body is able to support a pregnancy.

    Learn more about female fertility testing

    For those with male reproductive systems:


    Semen analysis is the primary test to evaluate sperm count, motility, and morphology. Additional evaluations may be recommended to assess reproductive health and identify any underlying causes of male infertility.

    Learn more about male fertility testing

  • IUI is a fertility treatment where donor sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation to increase the chance of pregnancy. This option is often used for those with female reproductive systems who are using donor sperm.

  • IVF involves fertilizing eggs with sperm in a lab to create embryos, which are then transferred to the uterus. IVF may be used with a partner’s or donor’s eggs or sperm, depending on each person’s unique needs.

  • Sperm donation is an option for couples or individuals using their own eggs who need sperm to create embryos. Donors may be known (such as a friend or family member) or anonymous through a sperm bank. All donors undergo thorough medical screening to ensure safety and quality.

  • For gay men, transgender women, and others with male reproductive systems who are unable to produce eggs, egg donation is an essential part of the family-building process. Through egg donation and gestational surrogacy, it is possible to create embryos via IVF and achieve pregnancy with the help of a gestational carrier.

    At RSCNJ, we offer access to a diverse group of thoroughly screened egg donors. Patients can choose between fresh donor eggs (retrieved specifically for your cycle) or frozen donor eggs (retrieved and cryopreserved for future use). Both options offer excellent success rates and may be selected based on your personal timeline, budget, or preference.

    Egg donors may be anonymous (from an egg bank or agency) or known, such as a friend or family member. In either case, all donors undergo FDA-required medical screening, genetic testing, and psychological evaluation to ensure they are healthy candidates for donation. Our team guides you through the donor selection process and helps you decide which option is the best fit for your family-building plan.

  • Embryo donation involves using embryos that were created through IVF but not used by the individuals or couples who created them. This option may simplify the process by eliminating the need for separate egg and sperm donors.

  • Gestational surrogacy involves using a gestational carrier (surrogate) to carry a pregnancy when the intended parent(s) are unable to do so themselves. The surrogate has no genetic relationship to the child. RSCNJ helps coordinate the IVF process, embryo transfer, and early pregnancy care, and can assist with finding a gestational carrier if needed.

  • Reciprocal IVF allows two partners with female reproductive systems to share in the family-building process. One partner provides the eggs, and the other carries the pregnancy. This option can be a meaningful way for both partners to participate physically in the conception and pregnancy experience.

  • "I want to thank the whole team at the Reproductive Science Center. What an amazing staff and loving doctors. You all helped creating our little magical and for that we are super thankful."

    — RSCNJ Patient

The Benefits of Choosing RSCNJ for LGBTQIA+ Fertility Care

At RSCNJ, we understand that fertility care is about more than medical treatments — it’s about creating space where patients feel respected, seen, and supported. Our team is committed to providing inclusive care that honors your identity and choices. We are mindful of language and evolving terminology and will work with you to ensure your care experience feels comfortable and affirming.

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Counseling and Legal Guidance for Third-Party Reproduction

When donor eggs, donor sperm, embryos, or gestational carriers are involved, counseling and legal guidance are important parts of the process. We recommend psychological counseling for all parties to help navigate the emotional aspects of third-party family building. Legal contracts may also be required to protect everyone involved. Our team can connect you with trusted mental health professionals and experienced reproductive law attorneys.

LGBTQIA+ Family Building FAQs

  • Fresh donor eggs are retrieved specifically for your IVF cycle, which may allow for a higher number of available eggs but requires cycle synchronization with the donor. Frozen donor eggs have already been retrieved and cryopreserved, making them available for use right away. Success rates between fresh and frozen eggs are similar. The best option often depends on your timeline, budget, and preferences, and our team can help you weigh the pros and cons of each.

  • Choosing an egg donor involves reviewing detailed donor profiles, including medical history, family background, education, and personal traits. Donors may be anonymous through an agency or egg bank, or known to you personally (such as a friend or family member). Many recipients also receive photos of donors at various life stages. All donors undergo comprehensive screening to ensure health and safety. Our team will guide you through the selection process based on your preferences and needs.

  • Sperm donors can be known or anonymous, and selection typically involves reviewing health histories, family backgrounds, and sometimes physical characteristics or education details. All donors undergo extensive medical screening, including genetic testing, infectious disease screening, and semen analysis. If using a known donor, legal agreements are recommended to protect all parties involved. Our team can assist you in finding a reputable sperm bank or navigating the process with a known donor.

  • A gestational carrier (surrogate) is a healthy individual who carries the pregnancy but has no genetic relationship to the child. Selection involves reviewing potential carriers’ medical history, previous pregnancy outcomes, and lifestyle. Surrogates undergo medical and psychological screening to ensure they are appropriate candidates. Legal contracts are also required to clarify parental rights and responsibilities. 

  • The cost of fertility treatment using donor eggs, donor sperm, or a gestational carrier can vary widely depending on the specific services needed. Factors like fresh versus frozen donor eggs, whether a known or anonymous donor is used, and gestational carrier fees all influence total costs. While some insurance plans offer partial coverage, others may not. Our financial counselors will provide a personalized cost estimate and discuss financing options to help you plan confidently.

  • Yes. Regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, it’s important to assess fertility health before beginning treatment. One in six individuals of reproductive age faces infertility. Testing helps identify any issues that could affect your chances of success, such as sperm quality, ovarian reserve, or uterine health. Early testing ensures your treatment plan is well-informed and tailored to your specific needs, maximizing your chances for a successful pregnancy.

  • Transgender individuals have several fertility options, including egg or sperm freezing before beginning hormone therapy, as well as IVF, IUI, donor sperm, donor eggs, or gestational surrogacy. Even if hormone therapy has already begun, there may still be paths to biological parenthood. Fertility preservation is especially important to discuss early in the gender-affirming care process. At RSCNJ, we offer sensitive, affirming care and can help you explore the right options for your goals.

  • Yes, success rates for IVF are generally based on factors like egg quality, sperm quality, age, and uterine health, not sexual orientation or gender identity. For LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples using donor eggs, donor sperm, or a gestational carrier, success rates are often comparable to or higher than average because donors and carriers are carefully screened for fertility health. Our team will help you understand your chances based on your specific treatment plan.

  • Insurance coverage for fertility care varies widely based on your plan, employer, and state regulations. Some policies cover diagnostic testing but not treatments like IVF or donor services. Others may include broader coverage, especially in states with fertility mandates. At RSCNJ, our financial counselors can help you understand your insurance benefits and discuss options like financing plans to make fertility care as accessible as possible.

Let’s Talk About Your Family-Building Goals

If you’re ready to explore fertility care or learn more about your options for LGBTQIA+ family building, we’re here to help. At RSCNJ, we combine advanced reproductive technology with compassionate care to support your journey toward parenthood. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at one of our New Jersey locations in Eatontown, Toms River, or Lawrenceville.

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