LGBTQ+ Family Building Program at HRC
California's most experienced LGBTQ+ fertility program — with you from first consult to your baby's arrival
HRC Fertility welcomes and supports all family structures. Our team has extensive experience serving LGBTQ+ patients, providing culturally sensitive, personalized fertility plans so every patient can pursue parenthood in a respectful, affirming environment.
Lesbian Couples
- IUI (intrauterine insemination) with donor sperm
- IVF with donor sperm
- Reciprocal IVF (one partner provides eggs, the other carries)
- Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)
- Donor egg IVF (if egg quality is a concern)
Reciprocal IVF allows both partners to participate in the pregnancy journey — a popular choice for lesbian couples.
Gay Male Couples
- IVF with donor eggs and gestational surrogate
- Sperm from one or both partners
- Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)
- HRC assists with licensed surrogacy agency matching
- Full legal and medical coordination
HRC's established surrogacy network in California provides end-to-end support for gay male couples.
Single Individuals
- Single women: IUI or IVF with donor sperm
- Single women: Egg freezing to preserve fertility
- Single men: Sperm freezing for future use with donor eggs/surrogate
- Fertility assessment and personalized recommendations
Transgender & Non-Binary Patients
- Fertility preservation before hormone therapy (sperm or egg freezing)
- Fertility planning before gender-affirming surgery
- Personalized family planning consultation
- Gender-affirming clinical environment and language
- Referral to transgender-friendly OB/GYN providers
Why Choose HRC?
Extensive LGBTQ+ Experience
Thousands of LGBTQ+ families served over the years, with a comprehensive service system in place
California Legal Protections
California is one of the most LGBTQ+ and surrogacy-friendly states — offering the strongest legal protections
Personalized Support Throughout
From first consult to baby's arrival, dedicated consultants provide emotional and administrative support every step of the way
Frequently Asked Questions
For gay male couples doing surrogacy in California, how is legal parentage established?
California is one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the US. For children born via surrogacy, intended parents (a gay male couple) can apply for a Pre-Birth Order before delivery — a court order ensuring the birth certificate lists the intended parents directly. The gestational surrogate holds no legal parental rights. This process gives LGBTQ+ parents full legal parentage from the moment of birth, with no adoption required afterward. HRC can refer you to reproductive law attorneys experienced in California surrogacy law.
Can international LGBTQ+ patients come to HRC for surrogacy treatment?
Yes, but a few important points to understand: (1) The IVF and embryo transfer procedures are performed at HRC's US clinics, and the surrogate carries and delivers in the US; (2) The child is born in the US, which may confer US citizenship depending on the parents' nationality; (3) After birth, you will need to process the child's passport and legal documents before returning home; (4) Different countries vary in how they legally recognize surrogacy and LGBTQ+ parenthood — consult a legal advisor in your home country before starting. HRC's bilingual coordinators can walk you through the process.
For lesbian couples doing Reciprocal IVF, which partner should be the egg provider?
In Reciprocal IVF, the "egg provider" is typically the partner with better ovarian reserve — usually the younger partner — to maximize the chances of retrieving high-quality eggs. The final decision should be based on each partner's ovarian reserve assessment (AMH, AFC) and your physician's data-driven recommendation. If both partners have similar reserve, personal preference can guide the choice. The "carrying partner" receives the embryo transfer. If you plan to have multiple children, the partners can switch roles in future cycles.
Should transgender women (MTF) freeze sperm before starting hormone therapy?
Yes — it is strongly recommended to freeze sperm before beginning feminizing hormone therapy (estrogen / anti-androgens), as these hormones suppress sperm production and recovery may not be complete even after stopping. Sperm freezing is simple and fast: typically just one appointment and one collection sample is needed — the quickest of all fertility preservation methods. If you have already started hormone therapy, we recommend a consultation to assess current sperm production; some patients see partial recovery after pausing hormones.
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