Lesbian women most commonly pursue pregnancy through IUI (What is an intra-uterine insemination?) using either sperm of an anonymous sperm donor from a sperm bank (Selecting Donor Sperm) or semen from a directed/known sperm donor.
A directed/known sperm donor generally is not an Intended Parent but the exact boundaries of mutual rights and responsibilities under such circumstances are best spelled out in a legally binding contract drafted by an attorney specializing in third-party parenting.
A directed/known sperm donor undergoes donor eligibility determination in accordance with the FDA regulations and policies of the Alta Bates IVF Program within 7 days of semen collection and freezing. Depending on whether risk factors are identified, the recipient/Intended Parent can decide about the need for and the duration of quarantine in consultation with the treating physician. Since the FDA required donor screening needs to be done and completed within 7 days of the IUI, insemination with fresh sperm is usually not feasible.
Anonymous sperm donors are never considered Intended Parents, so no direct legal contract is necessary between such a donor and the recipients. Sperm from anonymous donors is released by sperm banks only after a 180 day period of quarantine with retesting. Same-sex Lesbian couples and single women may have particular interest in using a sperm donor willing to have his identity release when the offspring reach maturity (I.D. release). Whereas most commercial sperm banks are just begonnong to offer this option, I.D. release sperm donors have been available through The Sperm Bank of California (www.thespermbankofca.org) and Pacific Reproductive Services for several years.
Partner IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a high-tech fertility option open to Lesbian couples who desire a biological link between each partner and their children. Under this arrangement one partner and Co-Parent undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval to provide the eggs which are fertilized with donor sperm in the laboratory and then some of the resulting embryos are transferred into the uterus of the other partner and Co-Parent (IVF Primer). Thus the partner providing the eggs has a genetic link while the partner carrying the pregnancy maintains a gestational link to their offspring.
To maximize the chance of a successful pregnancy it is usually best if the eggs are provided by the partner who is younger and/or has better ovarian reserve (What is Age Factor? How Do We Test Ovarian Reserve?). Frequently, however, only one of the partners desires to go through pregnancy and delivery which then determines the roles assumed by the two partners. The success rate of Partner IVF depends on the age and ovarian reserve of the woman providing the eggs and the uterine status of the partner carrying the pregnancy. (Click here for a Patient Story) Older Intended Mothers who require both donor eggs and donor sperm may wish to consider pregnancy initiation with donated embryos (What is Embryo Donation?).