Third-Party Reproduction
Building a family using donated eggs, sperm, embryos, or a gestational carrier from a person outside the couple.
Third-party reproduction encompasses any situation where a person or couple uses gametes (eggs or sperm), embryos, or reproductive assistance from a third party. Categories include donor sperm insemination, donor egg IVF, donor embryo transfer, and gestational surrogacy.
Medical indications include severe male factor infertility, premature ovarian insufficiency, hereditary genetic disease, recurrent IVF failure, and uterine absence. LGBTQ+ couples and single individuals also commonly use third-party pathways.
Legal, psychological, and ethical considerations are significant. Reproductive attorneys, mental health professionals specializing in third-party reproduction, and genetic counselors are integral members of the care team.
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