Read on to learn more about the path to biological fatherhood with Gay Parents to Be and RMA of Connecticut.

The NY Times published an article recently about the lack of fertility benefits available to same-sex couples, or single women, who do not have a diagnosis of infertility (i.e., endometriosis or premature ovarian failure) but instead require fertility treatment because they lack the necessary body parts to make a baby. The article specifically addressed the needs of lesbian couples who must use donor sperm to conceive a child and need a doctor to perform Intra-Uterine Inseminations (IUI’s) but I think the question is also applicable to single wannabe parents and gay men.

The decision to create a family via surrogacy is a deeply personal one and (understandably) often fraught with emotion. For most intended parents, setting out on the amazing journey to parenthood is one of the most loving, life-affirming and life-changing steps they’ll ever take. To add to the gravity of the decision, it is one that will involve doctors, attorneys, psychologists, insurance companies, legal contracts and court documents. Add to that complexity the fact that surrogacy and parental establishment laws vary dramatically, from state to state and from country to country. Because LGBTQ intended parents (IPs) face even more considerations and potential hurdles in ensuring their families are legally protected, it is even more important that intended parents have the counsel of an attorney experienced in surrogacy law.

This month, we introduce a new series of interviews: Personal Family Building Stories. We’ll talk with couples who have completed their family building journey as patients of Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT), the IVF fertility clinic with whom GayParentsToBe partners with.

Alicia and Julia’s story began as a classic representation of love at first sight. It all happened organically and eventually came together as strangers turned into friends and then ultimately soulmates.

I was cleaning recently and came across a set of photographs that I hadn't seen since 2009. But even after all this time, there was no way I could forget the only photos I have of the unknown egg donor who is biologically related to my two sons. I looked at the five pictures over and over again. Why was I so floored by them?

Join Gay Parents To Be and Family Equality Council for an evening at Trumbull Kitchen to discover your family building options and join others who are thinking about starting a family. WHEN: Tuesday, March 7th, 6–8pm 6:00 PM Meet & Greet 6:30 PM Family Building Presentation 7:30 PM Q&A WHERE: Trumbull Kitchen 150 Trumbull Street Hartford, CT 06103 Save Your Spot

Building a biologically-related family for a single gay male or gay couple is a complicated series of decisions, involving many you'd never think you'd have to make. One of the most important decisions on your journey is choosing and matching with a gestational surrogate.

You've decided to move ahead with creating your family by working with a gestational carrier. A gestational carrier or gestational surrogate is a woman who has a previously created embryo (using an egg donor and intended parent’s sperm) transferred into her uterus, becomes pregnant, and then carries through birth.

Hear from Dr. Mark Leondires of Gay Parents To Be (in association with Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut) about the first steps to starting a family as a gay man. Learn more about your options for:

Gay Parenting Voices previously profiled Nicholas and Paul. The gay couple in the Northeast were finalizing the adoption of a toddler boy. They'd welcomed him into their home as "foster-to-adopt" parents. Life was hectic, but good.

You've decided to become a parent. Being a member of the LGBTQ community, there are financial aspects that you need to consider. At any reputable fertility program or surrogacy agency (or egg donor or sperm donor agencies), there will be no mystery about the costs.