California Cryobank and our LGBTQ+ families
Every path to LGBTQ+ parenthood is welcome here
What to know as a lesbian couple using a sperm donor
If you and your partner are considering building your family with the help of a sperm donor, rest assured that we’re an experienced and trusted sperm bank for lesbian couples.
Even before you’ve decided on a donor from our extensive and diverse portfolio, you’ll want to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if your procedure will take place at your clinic or at home. Either way, your donor’s vials will be kept safe and secure and shipped directly to your home or doctor’s office whenever you’re ready for them. Please remember, due to NY state regulations at home inseminations is not available.
If you choose an at-home insemination, you’ll be using a treatment known as intracervical insemination (ICI). This simple procedure uses a syringe to place sperm at the entrance of the cervix, during ovulation, so that the sperm can make its own way into the uterus.
There are, of course, three essentials to any pregnancy: an egg provider, a sperm provider, and a pregnancy carrier. As a lesbian couple, you and your partner can choose which of you will provide the eggs, and which will be carrying the pregnancy. And as you grow your family, those roles may change with each pregnancy. Choosing to carry your partner’s inseminated eggs is known as reciprocal IVF. Regardless of which partner performs which role, you can depend on California Cryobank to help you choose an ideal sperm donor for your plans, and to help you with any other details that might be involved.
Gay male couples and family building with donor sperm
Transgender parents-to-be
If you or your partner are a transgender person, rest assured that we have the experience, the ability, and the desire to provide all the help you need to use donor sperm in your family building. And, you can also be confident that support will be delivered with the level of respect and understanding that has helped to define California Cryobank.
Why LGBTQ+ families choose California Cryobank
California Cryobank has been a trusted LGBTQ+-friendly sperm bank since our very beginnings. That’s because we believe that everyone who wants to be a parent deserves the chance to make that dream come true.
Nearly 50 years of LGBTQ+ family building
Unmatched donor selection
California Cryobank has an extensive and diverse portfolio that includes hundreds of qualified sperm donors. Each donor has been rigorously screened to help ensure the high quality of their vials. And because we understand our families come from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities, we want to make sure we offer a large variety of donors to match that diversity.
Accessible donor profiles
When you’re ready to start your donor search, you’ll be able to get immediate access to our donors’ profiles. Register for a free account to view a donor’s childhood photos, extended profile, genetic test summary, and personal essays. Want to learn more? Just upgrade your access for adulthood photos when available, donor conversations, and more.
Planning for the future
When you’re using donor sperm for your family building, it’s important to plan ahead. Maybe you’re hoping to use the same donor for a partner’s pregnancy or for future siblings. Because our donor’s vials can sell out, it makes sense to purchase the appropriate number of vials now. And we offer a number of ways to make that a little easier.
Get free storage when purchasing multiple vials
Free vial transfer for partners
If both partners are planning to carry a pregnancy, you’ll need to transfer the ownership of your vials from one partner to another. California Cryobank offers that service for free for those who purchase eight or more vials.
Multiple paths to flexible financing
How we support our families
Free personalized letter for second-parent adoption
California Cryobank can provide you with a free, personalized certificate that specifies that the second (non-inseminated) parent is the adoptive parent of your donor-conceived child.
Our one-of-a-kind book that celebrates family
Our exclusive Sibling Registry
Digital donor keepsake
Our vial buyback option
Some common questions about LGBTQ+ family building
California Cryobank has been serving the LGBTQ+ community since our beginning in 1977. Our extensive and diverse portfolio of donors, valuable resources (specifically for LGBTQ+ families), and knowledgeable and caring Family Building Consultants provide the support you need from day one and beyond.
When you’re ready to purchase your vials, it’s important to consult with your physician. That’s because the type of procedure you use will affect the number of vials you need. You’ll also want to think about your future family-building goals. Because vials do sell out, it’s best to buy additional vials now, especially if you or your partner is hoping to use the same donor in the future.
Our LGBTQ+ community partners
At California Cryobank, we’re proud to partner with other organizations who share our commitment to, and support for, our LGBTQ+ families.
Family Equality
Nationawide
Path2Parenthood
(Nationwide)
LGBT Mummies
(Nationwide)
Pandora Events
(Florida)
The Center
(Log Angeles)
Connecting Rainbows
(Nationwide)
LGBTQ+ family success stories
We’re honored to have helped so many LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to build the families they deserve. Discover their stories of success and happiness — we hope you find them as inspiring as we do.
Emily and Lauren’s story
Emily and Lauren's story
Sydney and Brit’s story
Emily and Lauren's story