How Can I Find An LGBT+ Friendly IVF Clinic?
It’s important for anyone going through infertility issues, regardless of their gender or sexuality, to find a fertility clinic that is suited to their fertility needs and their personal preference.
For some people, a large clinic with a greater feeling of anonymity, might suit them best, whereas for others, a small clinic, where the same staff will deal with them on each visit, can help them to feel more relaxed.
For many LGBT+ people, trying for a baby is just one of many challenging life experiences brought about by their sexuality and other people’s responses.
While most clinics should be able to cater for a wide variety of needs, finding one where you feel comfortable and you know the clinic are used to catering for people on a similar fertility journey to you, will help you to feel more relaxed and confident about your treatment.
Here at the IVF Network, although we cannot recommend individual clinics, we can tell you what to look for, to help make your selection easier. Through our dedicated channel of experts and through our website and blog posts, we provide information to help you to make informed choices on your fertility journey.
Do I qualify for NHS-funded IVF?
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines in England stipulate the minimum requirements for NHS-funded fertility treatment, however, local NHS Trusts can impose additional exemptions.
In many cases, same-sex couples and single women, for example, have to have undergone at least 6 privately-funded, unsuccessful IUI treatments in a registered clinic, before they are allowed IVF through the NHS. It’s important to check with your GP or clinic, what the regulations are in the area where you live, so that you are fully informed. Scotland and Wales have less exemptions than England.
What will I need to look for in a fertility clinic?
For anyone looking for a fertility clinic, there are certain key things to look out for:
- Are the staff qualified and experienced in treating patients with a similar diagnosis or need to yours?
- Do the staff take time to listen to you and answer your questions fully?
- Is there a transparent pricing scheme, so you know immediately what is (and importantly what isn’t) included in their packages?
- How are embryos, eggs and sperm stored, are there measures in place to protect them, in the event of power failure?
- How well-organised does the clinic seem?
- Is there a team that will offer emotional support as well as medical treatment?
- Are sperm rigorously checked for genetic abnormalities or infections?
- If the clinic is in the UK, how well does it meet the HFEA standards?
Are overseas fertility clinics cheaper?
Many people do choose to go abroad for fertility treatment, due to the costs in the UK.
It’s important when considering overseas treatment, that you factor in extra costs, like travel, insurance, accommodation and convenience.
It’s also important to be aware that overseas clinics may have different regulations regarding hygiene, safety and the testing of new treatments.
As with UK clinics, it’s important to check what is and isn’t included in the basic price.
How will I know if a clinic is LGBT+ friendly?
You may instantly be able to tell from a clinic’s website and literature if they are inclusive. Some may even say that they specialise in treating particular groups of people, for example, a women’s clinic regularly treating lesbian women and single women. Other clinics may specialise in treating gay men, bisexual, transgender or non-binary clients. You can also ask the staff if they regularly deal with clients who are LGBT+ needing donor sperm or surrogacy in order to become parents.
The following organisations can offer specific information and support around conception and parenting to members of the LGBT+ community: