Assisted Reproduction in Same Sex Couples

M.V. Sauer (ed.), Principles of Oocyte and Embryo Donation, DOI 10.1007/978-1-4471-2392-7_22, © Springer-Verlag London 2013 In recent years a growing recognition of same sex unions as culturally and socially acceptable has led inevitably to a parallel acceptance of such unions as a foundation for family. Advances in gay rights, the liberalization of legal restraints, and the increasing availability of assisted reproduction have led to more men and women being open about their homosexuality, open about their relationships, and open about their desire to become parents within the context of a same sex relationship [ 1, 2 ] . As a result, fertility programs have experienced a growing demand for service from same sex couples seeking parenthood through alternative reproductive techniques. This movement has culminated in a phenomenon commonly referred to as the “gay baby boom” [ 3 ] . Conception for same sex couples requires assisted reproduction by de fi nition. As such, gay men and women considering parenthood through these means face a decision-making process not common to heterosexual couples. For example, lesbian couples entering fertility treatment need to give consideration as to who will carry the pregnancy and how to choose a sperm donor. Gay D. A. Greenfeld , LCSW (*) Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences , Yale University School of Medicine , 150 Sargent Drive, 2nd Floor , New Haven , CT 06511-6110 , USA e-mail: [email protected]