While many people in lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) communities have children conceived in prior opposite-sex relationships, increasingly LGBTQ people are having children with the help of assisted human reproduction (AHR) . Some fertility clinics in urban areas such as Toronto report as many as 15-25% of their clients are from LGBTQ communities . Despite being significant AHR service users, the AHR system is not traditionally set up with LGBTQ people in mind; it assumes that clients are heterosexual and cisgender (non-trans), partnered or married with access to two incomes, and dealing with infertility . Some or none of these assumptions may be true for LGBTQ AHR clients, and this can cause unnecessary confusion and hardships.
This guidebook is for LGBTQ people who are interested in using AHR services to have children . Friends, family and others who are allies and supports for LGBTQ AHR clients during this process may also find it helpful and instructive.
In this guidebook, you will learn about conception and legal issues; tips to help navigate the AHR system with confidence; questions to pose and issues to consider when using AHR; additional information and community resources.