PlanetOut reports that there has been a steady rise in the number of gay couples that are turning to in vitro fertilization as an option for building their families. A portion of this increase is believed to be caused by the legalization of same-sex marriages in the state of Massachusetts. However, even couples who are not legally married are able to use IVF to add children to their families.
The report explains that it's easier and less expensive for female couples to use IVF since one of them can be the parent that carries the baby. However, gay male couples can use IVF and surrogacy to successfully add children to their partnership.
PlanetOut provides information for couples in this situation to assist them in understanding guardianship and adoption rules. Essentially, the non-biological parent should petition for second parent guardianship in states that allow it. Your fertility doctor should be able to provide you with additional information about the legal issues in your state.
Question of the Day: Do you believe that gay marriage laws and IVF rates among gay couples are linked?
