Reciprocal IVF

Reciprocal IVF (rIVF, co-IVF, co-maternity, shared motherhood, lesbian IVF, same-sex IVF) is a form of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) in which two women are involved in the process of creating a pregnancy.

In reciprocal IVF, one partner provides the eggs retrieved during the IVF cycle (Genetic Mother), and the other carries the pregnancy (Birth Mother). The eggs are fertilized with donor sperm in the laboratory, and the resulting embryos are then transferred to the uterus of the partner who will carry the pregnancy. This allows both partners to be involved in the process of creating and carrying the child. Reciprocal IVF success rate can be high depending on the fertility potential of the woman providing the eggs.

Reciprocal IVF can be an excellent option for same-sex female couples who want to share the experience of pregnancy and childbirth and the biological connection to their child. It is also a good option for couples in which one partner is unable to carry a pregnancy due to medical or other reasons.

However, like all forms of assisted reproductive technology, reciprocal IVF can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance. It is important for couples considering reciprocal IVF to talk to their fertility specialist to determine if this is the right option for them, as there are various medical and legal factors to consider.