Inclusive IVF Abroad: A Guide for Same-Sex Couples and Solo Parents

Starting a family is one of life's biggest decisions, and for many people that journey involves looking beyond their home country for fertility treatment.

Whether you're part of a same-sex couple, considering solo parenthood, or exploring donor conception, travelling abroad can provide access to treatments, donors, legal frameworks and options that may not be available at home.

Understanding the differences between countries is essential before making any decisions. Laws, donor regulations, parental rights and treatment availability can vary significantly from one destination to another.

Understanding Inclusive Fertility Treatment

Inclusive fertility treatment refers to fertility services that support a wide range of family structures, including:

• Heterosexual couples experiencing fertility challenges

• Female same-sex couples

• Male same-sex couples

• Solo women

• Solo men

• Gender-diverse individuals and couples

Depending on your circumstances, treatment may involve donor sperm, donor eggs, embryo donation or surrogacy.

What Is ROPA?

ROPA, which stands for Reception of Oocytes from Partner, is often referred to as shared motherhood.

It allows both partners in a female same-sex relationship to play a physical role in creating their family.

The process involves:

• One partner providing the eggs

• The eggs being fertilised using donor sperm

• The resulting embryo being transferred to the other partner, who carries the pregnancy

Many couples choose ROPA because it allows one partner to have a genetic connection to the child while the other experiences pregnancy and birth.

Countries Where ROPA Is Available

ROPA is currently available in a limited number of countries.

Countries commonly offering ROPA include:

• Spain

• Portugal

• Some clinics in Belgium

ROPA is generally not available in destinations such as Denmark, Greece, Turkey and many Eastern European countries.

As regulations can change, it is important to confirm current legislation and clinic policies before making plans.

IVF Options for Female Same-Sex Couples

Most female same-sex couples choose between:

• IVF with donor sperm

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI) with donor sperm

• ROPA treatment

Popular destinations include Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands, all of which have established fertility sectors and experience supporting international patients.

Each country has its own rules regarding donor anonymity, parental rights and treatment eligibility.

Family Building Options for Male Same-Sex Couples

For male couples, family building generally involves:

• Egg donation

• Gestational surrogacy

Destinations frequently considered include:

• United States

• Canada

• Mexico

• Colombia

The legal landscape for surrogacy varies considerably, making specialist legal advice essential before proceeding.

Countries such as Ukraine and Georgia continue to restrict surrogacy arrangements to heterosexual couples meeting specific legal criteria.

Popular Inclusive IVF Destinations

Spain

Spain remains one of Europe's most popular fertility destinations.

It offers:

• Donor sperm IVF

• Egg donation

• ROPA

• Access for same-sex female couples

• Extensive experience with international patients

Spanish donor programmes operate under anonymous donation laws.

Portugal

Portugal offers donor conception and ROPA treatment within an increasingly inclusive legal framework.

Many clinics provide English-speaking coordinators and support for international patients.

Greece

Greece remains a popular destination due to competitive pricing and relatively short waiting times.

It offers donor sperm treatment and treatment for solo women, although ROPA is not currently available.

Denmark

Denmark is well known for its donor programmes and wide donor selection.

It remains one of Europe's most LGBTQ+ friendly fertility destinations, although ROPA treatment is not generally available.

Belgium

Belgium offers high-quality fertility care and some clinics provide ROPA treatment depending on individual circumstances.

Netherlands

The Netherlands provides fertility treatment for same-sex couples but operates under different donor regulations, with greater emphasis on identifiable donor information.

United States

The United States offers some of the most flexible fertility and surrogacy options in the world.

It is particularly popular among male same-sex couples pursuing parenthood through surrogacy, although costs can be significantly higher than in Europe.

Canada

Canada provides inclusive fertility treatment and allows surrogacy under an altruistic model.

Compensation for expenses is permitted, but commercial surrogacy is prohibited.

Mexico

Some regions of Mexico offer fertility treatment and surrogacy options for international patients. Regulations vary by state, making specialist guidance important.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic remains a popular lower-cost European fertility destination, although legislation can be more conservative than in some Western European countries.

Turkey

Turkey continues to be a major destination for heterosexual couples seeking IVF treatment.

However, donor sperm, donor eggs and surrogacy remain prohibited under Turkish law, meaning it is not currently a suitable option for same-sex family building or donor conception.

Important Considerations Before Travelling Abroad

Legal Parentage

Understanding how parenthood is recognised both in the treatment country and in your home country is essential.

This is particularly important for donor conception and surrogacy arrangements.

Donor Regulations

Different countries have different approaches to donor identity.

Some use anonymous donors, while others allow donor-conceived children to access identifying information when they reach adulthood.

Costs and Waiting Times

Treatment costs can vary dramatically between destinations, as can donor availability and waiting times.

A lower treatment fee may not always mean a lower overall cost once travel and accommodation are included.

Language and Communication

Look for clinics with dedicated international teams and English-speaking staff who can guide you through treatment, paperwork and follow-up care.

Long-Term Family Considerations

Think beyond treatment itself. Consider future questions around donor identity, parental rights, birth registration and access to medical information.

How Journawell Can Help

Navigating fertility treatment abroad can feel overwhelming. With different laws, donor regulations, treatment options and costs across multiple countries, it can be difficult to know where to start.

At Journawell, our aim is to provide clear, accessible information that helps people make informed decisions about their fertility journey.

Through our articles, podcasts, resources and lived experience insights, we explore the realities of fertility treatment abroad, including the practical, emotional and legal considerations that many intended parents face.

Our founder, Kelly Halls, experienced IVF abroad first-hand and understands the challenges that can come with researching clinics, comparing destinations and making life-changing decisions.

Every fertility journey is unique. Whether you're exploring donor conception, shared motherhood, solo parenthood or IVF treatment overseas, our goal is to help you access reliable information, learn from real experiences and feel more confident about the options available to you.

If there is information you need that you cannot find in our Resources section, please get in touch and let us know. We are always looking to expand our content and provide answers to the questions that matter most to our community.

And if there is a fertility topic, destination or family-building pathway you would like us to explore on the Journawell Podcast, we'd love to hear from you. Your suggestions help shape future episodes and ensure we continue covering the subjects that matter most to our audience.