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A Dream Come True

The Same-sex Couple's Guide to Surrogacy

By Sharon LaMothe

If you don't care that only one of the intended parents can be on the birth certificate, then this dream can come true for you in Florida. There have been several cases where a "single" dad has had the pleasure of bringing children through surrogacy into this world with the help of a traditional surrogate or a gestational carrier and egg donor legally through the Florida courts.

Lesbian couples do have it easier for the most part because of the ability to carry their own child while only needing a sperm donor. Many clinics across the state will perform interuterine inseminations (IUI). IVF can also be performed on a lesbian couple, if necessary, to offer options of having one partner carry the other partner's egg.

After you have explored the legal aspects and are comfortable with your options, the next step would be to find a woman to be your surrogate. This can happen in many different ways, and I am not recommending all of them.

• You can ask a family member or close friend.
• You can tell family members and friends what you are planning to do and see if word of mouth will bring you a woman willing to help you in your endeavor.
• You can contact an agency or matching service, or erhaps an attorney can recommend someone to you.

Want to see more?

• The Surrogacy Search: Starting Out
• The Surrogacy Search: In Their Own Words
• Gift-Giver: Profile of a Surrogate Mother
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!