Family Planning for LGBTQ+ People: Options and Support
new-jersey-dev
12 September 2024
If you identify as LGBTQ+ and want to start a family, you can, and support is available to you! There are options for everyone.
New Jersey Family Planning League (NJFPL) health centers are dedicated and proud to serve people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions. We offer sexual health services and support for people who identify as LGBTQ+ and want to grow their families.
If you identify as LGBTQ+, you may also seek care at family planning centers to support your overall reproductive well-being (such as with sexually transmitted infection testing, HIV prevention, cervical cancer screening and more).
The uterus is a reproductive organ in people assigned female at birth (AFAB). If you and/or your partner have a uterus, here are some options if you’re thinking about becoming parents:
Intrauterine insemination (IUI). With IUI, sperm from a male donor is placed into the uterus. This fertility treatment may offer the highest chance of pregnancy.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). In IVF, sperm is combined with an egg in a lab. The fertilized egg is then transferred to the uterus for pregnancy.
Adoption and surrogacy are other good options if you and/or your partner do not have a uterus or do not want to carry a pregnancy.
Adoption. In New Jersey, same-sex couples and single adults who identify as LGBTQ+ can file a petition to adopt a child.
Surrogacy. With surrogacy, a person with a uterus can carry a child for a single person or couples. An egg from a donor is used with sperm from someone with testicles. The egg is fertilized in a lab and then implanted into the uterus of the surrogate.
Many of these options are usually available at fertility clinics, along with fertility testing. NJFPL does not offer these services, but we are happy to refer you to providers that do.
LGBTQ+ Couples & Single Parents Can Start Families!
Did you know that in the U.S., there are about 2.6 million LGBTQ+ adults who are parents to kids under the age of 18. About 5 million kids are being raised by at least one LGBTQ+ parent. Treatments like IUI and IVF can make this possible.
Also, around 21% of same-sex couples who are parents decide to adopt. You may also adopt a child as a single person.
About 23% of LGBTQ+ adults say they want to have kids in the future. If this includes you, please know that having kids is definitely an option.
Other Resources to Find Support
NJFPL can connect you with resources if you would like to start a family or add new members to your family. Here are other resources that may help:
Q Chat Space (this site offers live chat and LGBTQ+ online discussion groups)
Other great sources of support could be your family and friends or a school teacher you can trust. NJFPL health centers offer lots of support and resources for the LGBTQ+ community, including those who are interested in family planning. Visit NJFPL today to find a health center near you.
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