Having a child is one of life’s special experiences. However, not all couples are able to have children, either because they are the same sex or one or both suffer from fertility issues. Many of these couples turn to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques, transferring eggs, sperm, and other reproductive data usually between one member of the couple and a surrogate or sperm donor.
However, unlike a traditional pregnancy, many of these IVF techniques only involve one member of the couple’s DNA and need to incorporate a stranger, family member, or friend of the couple. Many couples yearn to have a child that has DNA from both sides. What options do same-sex couples have in this situation?
A recent IVF success story shows there could be a new option for aspiring parents. A lesbian couple from Texas became the first same-sex couple to both carry their own child thanks to effortless reciprocal in-vitro fertilization. This ground-breaking medical procedure allows two women to partake in the conception and creation of the same child; making it an optimal solution for lesbian couples who are looking to start a family.
What Is Effortless Reciprocal IVF?
With traditional IVF, the doctor extracts the eggs from the uterus and introduces them to sperm in a petri dish. The medical team will store the eggs and sperm in an incubator for several days until the insemination process finishes. After, the doctor implants the fertilized embryo into the mother’s uterus. The mother then carries the baby to term.
Effortless Reciprocal IVF combines traditional IVF, Effortless IVF and Reciprocal IVF. Effortless IVF uses an INVOcell capsule to incubate an embryo inside a woman’s body. Reciprocal IVF uses one woman’s eggs for fertilization and the other woman to carry the pregnancy to term.
With Effortless Reciprocal IVF:
- The doctor combines the sperm and eggs in an INVOcell capsule
- The doctor places the INVOcell capsule into one woman’s vagina, which acts as an incubator while fertilization takes place
- After five days, the doctor removes the capsule
- The doctor places the embryo into the other woman’s uterus and she carries the baby to term
How Effortless Reciprocal IVF Helps Families
Through this process, both members of a same-sex couple can carry their child. This allows both parents to feel a sense of connection and personalization to the pregnancy. Effortless Reciprocal IVF is also much cheaper than traditional IVF, making it an affordable option for many same-sex couples.
Overall, this procedure allows same-sex couples to experience the joys of parenthood and childbirth while both participating in the pregnancy. It makes having children easier and more personal for same-sex couples throughout the country.
What Does IVF Mean for Custody Battles?
In the state of California, the courts treat parental custody cases involving same-sex parents the same way as custody cases involving parents of the opposite sex. Instead of creating new laws, the state of California extends all rights that opposite-sex couples have to same-sex couples as well.
The courts will rely on California family codes to determine the arrangement in the best interest of the child. However, discrimination may arise in parental rights cases involving same-sex couples. In these cases, it is necessary to hire a seasoned family law attorney to fight for your rights.
Under California Family Code 3011, the court uses the best interests of the child to determine custody and visitation rights.
The courts will consider factors such as:
- Histories of domestic violence and abuse
- Where the child attends school
- You and your ex-partner’s ability to care for the child
- Your child’s age
- Your child’s community involvement
- The emotional relationship between your child and each parent
- Your child’s living arrangements
If you are struggling with an IVF custody battle, a divorce, or any other family-related legal proceeding, contact an attorney skilled in this area for compassionate and comprehensive legal counsel so that you don’t have to worry about filing deadlines or paperwork.
