Gays seek parenthood through infertility clinics
(sz) Infertility clinics in areas of the country with large gay populations are actively promoting biological parenthood for gay men and lesbians, hoping to expand the market for reproductive technologies once aimed almost exclusively at infertile heterosexuals.
The methods can be expensive and fraught with difficulties, and the families that result may or may not be legally recognized – or even socially accepted – in less gay-friendly places.
Despite the risks, biological parenthood is increasingly seen in gay communities as an attractive alternative to adopting – or remaining childless.
“For some people, having a biological connection to their children is important,” said Judy Appell, a lesbian parent of two and executive director of Our Family Coalition, a San Francisco gay-parenthood group. “More doors are opening to us through medical advancements, so more and more people are willing to try new ways to create our families.”
Options range from simple intrauterine insemination for women, which may cost a few hundred dollars, to use of paid egg donors and gestational surrogates for gay men, who may have to pay $150,000 in medical and legal services to have a child. more…
From: »ScribbsNews« (San Francisco Chronicle)