Why Connecticut Is One of the Best US States for Surrogacy

Not all US states are created equal when it comes to surrogacy law. Some states have ambiguous or outdated statutes that create legal uncertainty for intended parents. Connecticut is not one of them.

Connecticut's surrogacy legal framework rests on two key pillars: enforceable gestational surrogacy agreements and pre-birth orders. The Connecticut Parentage Act, which came into full effect in January 2022, overhauled the state's parentage laws and explicitly recognized gestational surrogacy agreements as legally valid and enforceable. It also established a clear, streamlined process for intended parents — including same-sex couples and single parents — to obtain legal parentage without post-birth adoption proceedings.

💡 Under the Connecticut Parentage Act (2022), intended parents in gestational surrogacy arrangements can obtain a pre-birth order during pregnancy — meaning they are named on the birth certificate from the moment of birth. No post-birth adoption is required. There is also no genetic connection requirement — same-sex couples and single parents using donor eggs and/or donor sperm qualify for full legal parentage.

Step 1 — Choosing Your Clinic and Having Your Initial Consultation

The surrogacy process in Connecticut begins with selecting a fertility clinic experienced in gestational surrogacy and third-party reproduction. New England Fertility Institute in Stamford is a recognized leader — a global leader in surrogacy and LGBTQ+ family building with an in-house donor agency, an international program, and deep relationships with Connecticut's experienced reproductive law community.

Your free initial consultation covers your medical history, fertility status, whether you need egg and/or sperm donation, your timeline, and a realistic overview of the legal and financial landscape. This conversation sets the foundation for everything that follows.

Step 2 — Medical Evaluation of Intended Parents and Gestational Carrier

All parties undergo thorough medical evaluation before the process begins. Intended parents providing genetic material complete fertility testing — ovarian reserve assessment, semen analysis, and blood screening. The prospective gestational carrier undergoes uterine evaluation (typically via Sono hysterography), infectious disease screening, a complete health history review, and a psychological evaluation conducted by an independent mental health professional. This psychological assessment is not a hurdle — it is a protection for everyone, including the carrier herself.

Step 3 — Finding Your Gestational Carrier in Connecticut

There are two primary routes to finding a gestational carrier: agency matching and known surrogates. NEFI works with trusted Connecticut-based and national surrogacy agencies that handle the full screening and matching process. Agency-matched carriers have already passed health screening, psychological evaluation, and a background check before you ever meet them.

Some intended parents work with a known surrogate — a friend, family member, or acquaintance who has offered to carry. NEFI fully supports known carrier arrangements, applying the same medical and psychological screening standards regardless of how the match was made.

A 2022 study in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics examining outcomes across gestational surrogacy arrangements found that rigorous pre-matching psychological screening of gestational carriers was significantly associated with lower rates of legal disputes and higher reported satisfaction among both carriers and intended parents — underscoring the value of thorough upfront evaluation.

Step 4 — Legal Agreements Under Connecticut Law

Before any medical treatment involving the gestational carrier begins, a surrogacy agreement must be fully executed. In Connecticut, this agreement is drafted by a reproductive law attorney — NEFI can refer you to attorneys experienced in Connecticut surrogacy law. The agreement is independently reviewed by a separate attorney representing the gestational carrier, ensuring all parties enter the arrangement with full legal representation and informed consent.

The agreement covers all financial terms (carrier compensation, expense reimbursement, insurance), medical decision-making authority during the pregnancy, contact and communication expectations, and contingency provisions for various scenarios. Once signed, the intended parents' attorney files a pre-birth order — which, under the Connecticut Parentage Act, establishes legal parentage ahead of birth.

Step 5 — Embryo Creation via IVF at NEFI

With legal agreements in place, embryo creation begins. This is a standard IVF cycle — ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization in the laboratory, embryo culture to blastocyst stage, and optional preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A to screen for chromosomal abnormalities, or PGT for family balancing). Resulting embryos are vitrified and stored until the gestational carrier is prepared for transfer.

A 2022 study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that PGT-A significantly improved cumulative live birth rates in IVF cycles by reducing the transfer of chromosomally abnormal embryos — making it a valuable tool particularly for intended parents using eggs from older donors or intended mothers over 35.

Step 6 — Embryo Transfer to the Gestational Carrier

The gestational carrier's uterine lining is prepared using a hormone protocol under NEFI's supervision. A frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle is used — the standard of care at NEFI, supported by evidence showing higher pregnancy rates with frozen versus fresh embryo transfers in gestational carrier cycles. The transfer itself is a brief, non-invasive procedure requiring no sedation. The carrier rests briefly and returns home the same day.

Step 7 — Pregnancy, Pre-Birth Order, and Birth

Following a positive pregnancy test and confirmed heartbeat, the gestational carrier transitions to her chosen OB for ongoing prenatal care. NEFI remains available as a resource and coordination point throughout. During the second trimester, the pre-birth order is finalized — establishing the intended parents as the legal parents in advance of delivery. At birth, the intended parents are named on the birth certificate directly.

Connecticut Surrogacy for LGBTQ+ Families

Connecticut's legal framework is explicitly inclusive of all family structures — same-sex couples, single parents, and non-binary individuals all have full access to legal parentage through gestational surrogacy. There is no requirement for a genetic connection to the child, which is particularly significant for same-sex male couples and single men using both donor eggs and donor sperm.

NEFI is a recognized leader in LGBTQ+ surrogacy in Connecticut and beyond. The clinic's team understands the specific medical, legal, and emotional landscape of LGBTQ+ family building — and provides care that reflects that understanding without assumption or prejudice.

For the complete overview of how surrogacy works in the US, including costs, carrier matching, and embryo creation, read our full pillar guide: How Surrogacy Works in the US: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Intended Parents

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to live in Connecticut to pursue surrogacy at NEFI? No. NEFI serves intended parents from across the US and internationally. Your gestational carrier does need to be based in a surrogacy-friendly state for legal purposes — Connecticut qualifies — and NEFI coordinates the process regardless of where the intended parents reside.

How long does it take to get a pre-birth order in Connecticut? Once a pregnancy is confirmed and the legal agreement is in place, a pre-birth order application is typically filed during the second trimester. Connecticut courts process these efficiently — most intended parents receive their pre-birth order well before the baby's birth.

What is the gestational carrier's compensation in Connecticut? Carrier compensation in Connecticut typically ranges from $35,000 to $85,000 depending on the carrier's experience, location, and specific arrangement terms, plus reimbursement of all pregnancy-related expenses. These figures are outlined in the legal agreement and do not affect the intended parents' legal status.

Can a same-sex couple both be named as legal parents in Connecticut? Yes. Connecticut law explicitly recognizes both intended parents in a gestational surrogacy arrangement — regardless of gender or genetic connection — on the birth certificate via the pre-birth order process.

What happens if the embryo transfer doesn't result in pregnancy? If the first embryo transfer is unsuccessful, the process moves to a subsequent transfer using the next viable embryo. NEFI's team reviews each cycle to understand what may be adjusted. Multiple embryos are typically created and vitrified in advance specifically to allow for this possibility.

Connecticut Is Ready for Your Family

Connecticut's legal environment, combined with NEFI's clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to inclusive family building, makes this one of the strongest surrogacy ecosystems in the United States. Whatever your family looks like — whatever path has brought you here — NEFI is ready to help you take the next step.

Book Your Free Consultation

Written and reviewed by: Dr. Gad Lavy, MD, FACOG

What Is Egg Freezing and How Does It Work?

Egg freezing — medically known as oocyte cryopreservation — is the process of stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving those eggs, and freezing them at the unfertilised stage for future use. When you're ready to use them, the eggs are thawed, fertilised with sperm in the laboratory, and the resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus.

The key advance that made egg freezing reliable is vitrification — a flash-freezing technique that cools eggs so rapidly that ice crystals do not form, preserving cellular integrity far more effectively than older slow-freeze methods. A 2023 landmark study in Journal of Clinical Medicine confirmed that vitrified oocytes produce fertilisation rates, embryo development rates, and live birth rates comparable to fresh eggs — leading the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) to remove the "experimental" label from egg freezing in 2012. It is now a mainstream, evidence-based procedure.

Egg quality declines with age — and this is the most important biological fact behind egg freezing. A woman who freezes eggs at 32 preserves the fertility profile of a 32-year-old regardless of when she uses them. Freezing earlier means more eggs, better quality eggs, and higher success rates when it matters.

Who Should Consider Egg Freezing?

Egg freezing is relevant for a wide range of individuals and situations.

• Women in their late 20s and 30s who are not yet ready to have children but want to protect their options.
• Women facing cancer treatment — chemotherapy and radiation can permanently damage egg-producing cells, and freezing eggs before treatment begins is now a standard oncofertility recommendation.
• Women with endometriosis or diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), where ovarian function may decline faster than average.
• Transgender men before gender-affirming hormone therapy, which can affect fertility.
• Same-sex female couples who want to freeze eggs for reciprocal IVF — where one partner's eggs are used to create embryos carried by the other.
• Women at risk of early menopause due to family history or genetic conditions such as Turner syndrome or fragile X premutation.

The Egg Freezing Process at NEFI: Step by Step

Step 1 — Initial consultation and ovarian reserve testing.

Your journey begins with a free consultation at NEFI's Stamford clinic. Your doctor will assess your ovarian reserve using two key markers: antral follicle count (AFC) via transvaginal ultrasound, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) via blood test. These measurements predict how many eggs are likely to be retrieved in a cycle and help set realistic expectations.

Step 2 — Ovarian stimulation.

For approximately 10–14 days, you self-administer hormone injections (FSH and LH) to stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple follicles simultaneously. During this period you attend the clinic for monitoring appointments — typically every 2–3 days — involving blood tests and ultrasound to track follicle growth and adjust medication dosing. NEFI's minimally invasive approach means stimulation protocols are tailored individually, avoiding over-stimulation while maximising egg yield.

Step 3 — Trigger shot and egg retrieval.

When follicles reach optimal size, a trigger injection is administered to finalise egg maturation. Exactly 36 hours later, egg retrieval takes place. This is a brief outpatient procedure performed under light sedation — a thin needle is guided through the vaginal wall using ultrasound to aspirate the fluid from each follicle. The procedure takes approximately 20–30 minutes and most patients return home the same day.

Step 4 — Egg assessment and vitrification.

In the embryology laboratory, retrieved eggs are assessed for maturity. Only mature (MII) eggs are suitable for freezing. Mature eggs are vitrified within hours of retrieval and placed into storage. You receive a report confirming how many mature eggs were successfully frozen.

Step 5 — Storage.

Your frozen eggs are stored at NEFI's accredited facility in liquid nitrogen at −196°C. Research supports long-term storage without significant degradation of egg quality — a 2023 study in Reproductive BioMedicine found no significant difference in clinical outcomes between eggs stored for shorter versus longer durations when vitrification was used.

How Much Does Egg Freezing Cost in Connecticut?

Egg freezing costs in the US typically include three components:

• The stimulation cycle itself (including monitoring, medication, retrieval, and laboratory fees)
• Annual storage fees for the frozen eggs
• Future thaw and fertilisation costs when you're ready to use them

At NEFI, transparent pricing is a core commitment. During your initial consultation, your team will provide a detailed cost breakdown specific to your situation — including whether your insurance covers any portion of the process. Connecticut has relatively strong fertility insurance mandates compared to many US states, and NEFI's team will help you navigate what your plan covers before you commit to any costs.

How Many Eggs Do You Need?

This is one of the most common questions — and the honest answer is that it depends on your age and your family building goals. As a general guide, reproductive specialists often target 10–20 mature eggs to give a reasonable chance of at least one successful live birth. Younger women (under 35) tend to need fewer eggs because egg quality is higher; women over 38 typically need more eggs to achieve the same outcome.

A 2025 study in Human Reproduction modelling egg freezing outcomes by age found that women under 35 had a cumulative live birth rate exceeding 70% with 10–15 vitrified oocytes, while women aged 38–40 required 20–25 eggs to reach similar cumulative success rates. This underscores why earlier freezing is almost always more efficient — fewer cycles, more eggs per cycle, higher quality per egg.

Egg Freezing for LGBTQ+ Individuals and Couples

NEFI's egg freezing programme serves individuals and couples of all family structures. For same-sex female couples, egg freezing is often the first step toward reciprocal IVF — a process where one partner freezes eggs, which are then fertilised and transferred to the other partner's uterus, allowing both partners to be physically involved in the pregnancy. For transgender men considering egg freezing before hormone therapy begins, NEFI provides sensitive, affirming care with full respect for gender identity throughout the process.

For the full picture on building a family through NEFI's surrogacy and donor services, read our complete guide: How Surrogacy Works in the US: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Intended Parents

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best age to freeze eggs? The earlier, the better — in terms of egg quality and quantity. Most reproductive specialists consider the late 20s to mid-30s the optimal window. Egg freezing is still viable and beneficial in the late 30s, but typically requires more eggs (and potentially more than one cycle) to achieve the same cumulative success rate.

Does egg freezing affect future natural fertility? No. The eggs retrieved during a freezing cycle are those that would have been lost naturally in that menstrual cycle anyway — egg freezing does not deplete your ovarian reserve beyond what would occur naturally. Your remaining follicles and future cycles are unaffected.

How long can eggs be stored? Research supports long-term vitrified egg storage without significant quality degradation. There is no legal maximum storage duration in Connecticut, and NEFI will discuss storage terms at your consultation.

Is the egg retrieval process painful? Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort during the stimulation phase — bloating, pelvic pressure, and sensitivity are common. The retrieval procedure itself is performed under sedation and is not felt. Some cramping for 1–2 days afterwards is normal. Most patients return to normal activities within 24–48 hours.

Your Future Self Will Thank You

Egg freezing is one of the few decisions in reproductive medicine where acting early has a clear, measurable advantage. The eggs you freeze today are the eggs of today — younger, more numerous, and higher quality than the eggs of five or ten years from now. NEFI makes the process straightforward, transparent, and deeply supported from the first conversation to the day you're ready to use them.

→ Book Your Free Consultation

Written and reviewed by: Dr. Gad Lavy, MD, FACOG

Whether you're a same-sex male couple for whom surrogacy is the primary path to parenthood, a single parent building a family on your own terms, a woman who cannot carry a pregnancy, or an international family exploring US surrogacy options — this is your complete step-by-step guide to how surrogacy actually works in the United States in 2026.

Gestational vs Traditional Surrogacy: The Foundation

Gestational surrogacy is by far the most common form practiced in the US today. The surrogate — also called a gestational carrier — carries a pregnancy created from an embryo that is genetically unrelated to her. The embryo is created through IVF using eggs and sperm from the intended parents, donors, or a combination, and transferred to the surrogate's uterus. The gestational carrier has no genetic connection to the child she carries.

Traditional surrogacy involves the surrogate using her own egg — meaning she is both the carrier and the genetic mother. Traditional surrogacy is rarely practiced today due to significant legal complexity and the ethical and emotional complications arising from the genetic connection between surrogate and child.

💡 Gestational surrogacy accounts for the vast majority of surrogacy arrangements in the US. It is the method used at New England Fertility Institute — ensuring a clear legal and genetic separation between the gestational carrier and the intended parents from the outset.

Who Pursues Surrogacy?

Same-sex male couples and single men — for whom carrying a pregnancy is not biologically possible — pursue surrogacy combined with egg donation as the primary path to a genetically connected child. NEFI is a recognized leader in LGBTQ+ family building with deep expertise in guiding same-sex male couples and single fathers through every step.

Women and couples with uterine conditions — including uterine absence, severe Asherman's syndrome, fibroids, or repeated implantation failure — for whom carrying a pregnancy poses significant medical risk or is not possible. Individuals and couples who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss, and international intended parents who choose the US for its strong legal framework and high medical standards, also frequently pursue surrogacy at NEFI.

What does the journey look like if you’re considering surrogacy?

Step 1 — Initial Consultation

Every surrogacy journey at NEFI begins with a free consultation — a conversation, not a commitment. It's the opportunity to understand your options, ask every question you have, and map out a realistic plan. NEFI's team includes specialists in LGBTQ+ family building, third-party reproduction, and international surrogacy coordination. During this consultation, your team will review your medical history, discuss whether you need an egg or sperm donor and outline embryo creation options.

Step 2 — Finding and Matching a Gestational Carrier

Gestational carriers can be matched through NEFI's network and trusted partner agencies, which rigorously screen, psychologically evaluate, and medically qualify all carriers before matching. Some intended parents work with a known surrogate — someone in their existing network who has offered to carry. NEFI supports known carrier arrangements with the same rigor as agency-matched arrangements.

A fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(1662549-9/fulltext text: 2021 review in Fertility and Sterility) examining gestational carrier screening outcomes found that comprehensive psychological and medical pre-screening significantly reduced the rate of arrangement disruptions and legal complications — reinforcing why thorough vetting is non-negotiable, not optional.

Step 3 — Medical and Fertility Workup

Before embryo creation begins, both intended parents (or donors) and the prospective gestational carrier undergo comprehensive medical evaluation. For intended parents providing genetic material, this includes semen analysis, ovarian reserve testing, and blood work. The gestational carrier undergoes uterine assessment, infectious disease screening, psychological evaluation, and a full medical history review. For families using donor eggs, NEFI's in-house donor agency means the process is fully coordinated within the same clinical team.

Step 4 — Legal Agreements

Before any medical treatment involving the gestational carrier begins, a legal contract must be in place. The surrogacy agreement covers compensation and expense reimbursement for the carrier, medical decision-making authority, contact expectations during and after pregnancy, and life insurance and health coverage arrangements.

Connecticut is a surrogacy-friendly state with a clear legal framework. Pre-birth orders — legal orders establishing the intended parents as the legal parents before the baby is born — are obtainable under Connecticut law, meaning intended parents are named on the birth certificate from the outset without the need for post-birth adoption. The Connecticut Parentage Act (2022) further strengthened this framework, explicitly recognizing gestational carrier agreements across all family structures.

Step 5 — Embryo Creation (IVF)

Once legal agreements are signed, embryo creation begins via IVF. Egg retrieval involves 10–14 days of hormone stimulation followed by retrieval under light sedation. Retrieved eggs are fertilised using conventional IVF or ICSI. Embryos are cultured for 5–6 days to blastocyst stage, then many intended parents choose preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) to screen for chromosomal abnormalities and optimize transfer success rates. Some families also use PGT for family balancing (gender selection). Tested embryos are frozen and stored until the gestational carrier is ready for transfer.

Step 6 — Egg Donation (If Needed)

For many intended parents — including same-sex male couples, single fathers, and women with diminished ovarian reserve — egg donation is an essential part of the surrogacy journey. Donor eggs are used to create embryos via IVF, fertilised with sperm from one or both intended parents, before transfer to the gestational carrier. The egg donor and the gestational carrier are always two different people in a gestational surrogacy arrangement — the donor provides the genetic material, while the carrier carries the pregnancy with no genetic link to the child.

Egg donors undergo rigorous screening before acceptance, including ovarian reserve testing (AMH and antral follicle count), genetic carrier screening, infectious disease testing, and psychological evaluation. Intended parents can typically choose between fresh donor cycles, frozen donor eggs, and known donors, and select a donor based on detailed profiles.

Because NEFI operates its own in-house donor agency, donor selection, screening, cycle synchronisation, and embryo creation are all coordinated within a single clinical team — eliminating the delays and communication gaps that can arise when a separate external egg bank or agency is involved. Donor eggs can also be combined with PGT-A testing to maximise the chance of a successful transfer.

💡 In donor egg surrogacy arrangements, the child is genetically connected to the sperm-providing intended parent(s) and the egg donor — never to the gestational carrier.

Step 7 — Gestational Carrier Preparation and Embryo Transfer

The gestational carrier's uterus is prepared using a hormone protocol of oestrogen and progesterone. A mock transfer cycle is often performed first to optimize the approach. A 2022 study in BMJ found that frozen embryo transfers produced significantly higher clinical pregnancy rates than fresh transfers in gestational carrier arrangements.

The transfer itself is non-invasive — no anesthesia required. A thin catheter delivers the embryo into the uterine cavity under ultrasound guidance in a matter of minutes. The gestational carrier rests briefly and returns to her normal routine.

Step 8 — Pregnancy Confirmation and Monitoring

Approximately 10–14 days after transfer, a blood test measures hCG (the pregnancy hormone). A positive result triggers an early ultrasound at around 6–7 weeks to confirm a heartbeat. Once the pregnancy is established, the gestational carrier transitions to her OB for the remainder of the pregnancy, with NEFI remaining a point of coordination and support throughout.

Step 8 — Legal Parentage and Birth

In Connecticut, intended parents obtain a pre-birth order during the pregnancy — meaning they are recognized as the legal parents before the birth and named on the birth certificate directly. No post-birth adoption is required. NEFI's team supports international intended parents in parentage documentation requirements in their home countries.

The Connecticut Advantage for Surrogacy

Connecticut's legal environment makes it one of the most secure US states for surrogacy. Pre-birth orders are routinely granted. There is no genetic connection requirement — meaning single intended parents and same-sex couples using both donor eggs and donor sperm can obtain full legal parentage. Surrogacy agreements are enforceable under Connecticut law. The Connecticut Parentage Act (2022) explicitly recognizes gestational carrier agreements across all family structures, providing legal certainty for domestic and international families alike.

How NEFI Is Different

New England Fertility Institute is a global leader in surrogacy and third-party reproduction with specific expertise in LGBTQ+ family building. NEFI's in-house donor agency means egg and embryo donor matching is handled within the same clinical team. Connecticut legal expertise means NEFI's team navigates the state's surrogacy-friendly framework daily and maintains relationships with experienced reproductive law attorneys. The international program serves intended parents from around the world with established processes for cross-border legal and documentation requirements. As part of CSG.BIO Group, NEFI has access to an internationally connected network of reproductive medicine expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the surrogacy process take from start to finish? From initial consultation to birth, the surrogacy journey typically takes 18 to 24 months. The matching process is often the longest variable — finding and medically qualifying a gestational carrier can take several months. Once a match is confirmed and legal agreements are signed, the IVF and transfer phase typically takes 2–4 months, followed by the pregnancy itself.

Can same-sex male couples have a genetically connected child through surrogacy? Yes. One or both partners can provide sperm to fertilize donor eggs — creating embryos genetically connected to one or both intended fathers. Some couples create embryos from both partners' sperm and transfer the embryo most likely to succeed; others choose one partner for the genetic connection. This is a deeply personal decision NEFI's team discusses with care and without judgement.

Does NEFI work with international intended parents? Yes. NEFI has an established international programme and regularly supports intended parents from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond who choose Connecticut for its legal protections and medical standards.

Can single individuals pursue surrogacy at NEFI? Absolutely. Single intended parents — whether single men, single women who cannot carry, or single LGBTQ+ individuals — are welcome and regularly supported at NEFI. The process is the same; the legal and donor pathways are simply tailored to a single-parent structure.

Every Family's Journey Starts with a Conversation

Surrogacy is complex — but it doesn't have to feel that way. NEFI's team has guided hundreds of families through every variation of this journey, and the first step is always the same: a conversation. No pressure, no commitment, no assumptions about your family structure. Just the information you need to decide if surrogacy is the right path for you.

Book Your Free Consultation

Written and reviewed by: Dr. Gad Lavy, MD, FACOG

What Does IVF Actually Cost in Connecticut? The Real Numbers

IVF pricing in the United States varies considerably by clinic, location, and the complexity of your treatment. In Connecticut, a single standard IVF cycle typically falls between $12,000 and $20,000 before medications, with the national average sitting around $12,000–$18,000 for a base cycle, according to data from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

But that headline number rarely tells the full story. Here's how costs typically break down for a complete IVF cycle in Connecticut:

• IVF cycle (monitoring, egg retrieval, embryo transfer) $12,000 –$18,000
• Frozen embryo transfer cycle $4,500–$8,000
• Fertility medications $3,000 – $8,000
• Anesthesia $500 – $1,500
• Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) $3,000 – $6,000
• Embryo freezing and storage (annual) $500 – $1,000
• Sperm analysis / preparation $200 – $600

For LGBTQ+ families, single parents by choice, or those using donor eggs, donor sperm, or surrogacy, additional costs apply — and we'll cover each of those below.

💡 The national average cost of a single IVF cycle in the US is approximately $12,400 — but when medications, genetic testing, and additional services are factored in, the real out-of-pocket cost is typically $20,000–$30,000 per cycle. Connecticut patients deserve to know this before they start.

Why IVF Costs What It Does: The Science Behind the Price

Understanding what you're paying for makes the numbers easier to navigate. IVF is not a single procedure — it is a carefully sequenced series of medical interventions, each requiring specialist expertise, laboratory infrastructure, and precision monitoring.

A typical IVF cycle involves ovarian stimulation (injected hormones to encourage multiple follicles to develop), serial ultrasound monitoring across 10–14 days, a surgical egg retrieval under mild sedation, laboratory fertilization of eggs with sperm, 3–5 days of embryo culture in a specialized incubator, and finally an embryo transfer into the uterus.

The laboratory component alone — the embryology lab where fertilization and culture occur — requires significant ongoing investment. A 2018 analysis published in Fertility and Sterility found that laboratory costs represent one of the largest fixed-cost components of IVF treatment, contributing significantly to the per-cycle price that patients see.

Medications are the other major variables. Ovarian stimulation drugs (gonadotropins) are biologics — complex, expensive to manufacture, and not always well-covered by insurance. Your medication protocol depends on your ovarian reserve, age, and how your body has responded to stimulation in the past. Patients with diminished ovarian reserve, for example, may require higher medication doses, which pushes costs upward.

IVF Costs in Connecticut: The Local Picture

Connecticut is one of the most favorable states in the US for fertility treatment, and not just because of the quality of its clinics. Connecticut has a fertility insurance mandate — one of the strongest in the country.

Under Connecticut state law, insurers that cover pregnancy-related care are required to cover medically necessary fertility diagnosis and treatment, including IVF, for insured individuals. This mandate applies to most employer-sponsored group health plans governed by state law.

What this means practically:

• Many Connecticut residents with employer-sponsored insurance have some IVF coverage
• Coverage levels vary — some plans cover one cycle, others cover multiple
• Self-funded employer plans (common at large corporations) are governed by federal ERISA law and are not subject to the state mandate
• Individual and marketplace plans vary widely

Navigating insurance is one of the most time-consuming and confusing parts of the fertility journey. At New England Fertility Institute, our team includes dedicated insurance and financial counselors who review your specific plan, confirm your benefits in writing, and help you understand your true out-of-pocket exposure before you start treatment — not after.

Stamford's position in Fairfield County also means many of our patients are employed by major corporations headquartered in the greater New York metropolitan area. A significant number of Fortune 500 companies now offer fertility benefits as part of their employee health packages — including IVF coverage, egg freezing, and donor services.

How New England Fertility Institute Approaches Pricing — and Why It Matters

At New England Fertility Institute, transparent pricing is not a marketing promise. It's a clinical philosophy.

We believe that financial uncertainty during fertility treatment adds an unnecessary layer of stress to what is already an emotionally demanding process. That's why we provide itemized cost estimates before treatment begins; insurance verification support, financing options, and a clear explanation of what is — and isn't — included in each quoted price.

What makes our pricing approach different:

• In-house donor program. Our patients who need donor eggs or embryos, working with our in-house donor program removes the coordination layer and the associated cost markups that come with using external agencies. Our donors are screened, matched, and supported within our practice — streamlining both the process and the cost.

• Mini IVF as a genuine option. For appropriate candidates, our minimally stimulated IVF protocol reduces medication costs significantly while maintaining strong success rates. This is particularly relevant for patients who have had difficult responses to high-dose stimulation, older patients, and those with certain medical conditions.

• LGBTQ+ family building expertise. For same-sex female couples using reciprocal IVF (where one partner provides the eggs and the other carries the pregnancy), same-sex male couples using surrogacy and donor eggs, or single individuals building their families, cost planning is inherently more complex. We provide tailored financial packages with consultation for every family structure — because a one-size-fits-all pricing sheet doesn't serve the diversity of our patient community.

• International patient program. Many of our patients travel to Stamford from outside Connecticut — and some from outside the United States — for fertility care that is either unavailable or prohibitively expensive in their home country. Our international patient coordinator helps with scheduling, logistics, and cost planning for patients traveling for treatment.

• Financing options. We work with fertility financing partners to offer payment plans, multi-cycle programs, and refund programs for eligible patients. Our financial counselors will walk you through every option.

As a member of the CSG.BIO Group — a global network of fertility and stem cell services — NEFI also benefits from shared clinical expertise and research partnerships with sister practices including Hanabusa IVF in San Diego, a clinic renowned for its minimally invasive IVF protocols.

IVF Cost Breakdown for LGBTQ+ Families and Third-Party Reproduction

For LGBTQ+ families and those requiring donor services or surrogacy, it's important to understand the additional cost layers involved. These are some of the most common scenarios we guide patients through:

• Same-sex female couples — reciprocal IVF: One partner undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval; the other partner receives the embryo transfer. Costs are similar to a standard IVF cycle for the retrieving partner, plus an additional transfer fee. Both partners are actively part of the medical process — an option many couples find deeply meaningful.

• Same-sex male couples — donor eggs + gestational surrogacy: This pathway involves the most components: egg donor selection, IVF cycle for the donor, sperm preparation, embryo creation, and gestational carrier coordination. Total costs for this pathway — including surrogate compensation and medical costs — typically range from $90,000 to $200,000+ depending on the specifics.

• Donor sperm IVF: For individuals or couples using donor sperm, the cost of a sperm donor (from an FDA-regulated sperm bank) typically adds $500–$1,500 per vial, with 1–2 vials commonly used per cycle.

• Donor egg IVF Using a donor egg adds the donor's compensation, screening, and cycle costs. With our in-house donor agency, we are able to offer more transparent and competitive donor egg pricing than external agency routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance cover IVF in Connecticut? Connecticut has one of the strongest fertility insurance mandates in the US, requiring most state-regulated health plans to cover medically necessary IVF. However, coverage varies by plan type — our insurance team verifies your specific benefits before you begin treatment and provides a written summary of your coverage and estimated out-of-pocket costs.

How much do fertility medications cost for IVF in Connecticut? Fertility medications typically add $3,000–$8,000 to the cost of a standard IVF cycle. The exact amount depends on your protocol, your ovarian reserve, and how you respond to stimulation. Patients pursuing mini-IVF may have significantly lower medication costs. We can help you source medications through speciality pharmacies and explore manufacturer assistance programs if applicable.

Is mini-IVF cheaper than standard IVF? Yes, in most cases. The procedure and monitoring costs are comparable, but the significant saving comes from reduced medication use — which can bring the total medication cost down from $4,000–$6,000 to under $1,500 in some cases. Not all patients are eligible for mini-IVF because of each individual infertility situation, but for those who are good candidates, it represents a genuinely cost-effective pathway.

Does New England Fertility Institute offer payment plans or financing? Yes. We work with fertility financing partners to offer multi-month payment plans and multi-cycle programs. We also offer refund programs for eligible patients. Our financial counsellors will discuss every available option during your consultation.

How much does surrogacy cost for same-sex male couples? Surrogacy is one of the most significant financial undertakings in family building, with total costs — including surrogate compensation, legal representation, medical costs, agency fees, and IVF — commonly ranging from $90,000 to $200,000+. Connecticut is a highly surrogacy-friendly state legally, which reduces some of the legal complexity and cost compared to less permissive states. Our team includes surrogacy specialists who will walk you through a detailed and realistic cost picture from the start.

Start Your Journey with Full Financial Clarity

The cost of IVF in Connecticut is real — and we will never minimize it. But financial uncertainty shouldn't be what stands between you and your family. At New England Fertility Institute, we combine world-class clinical care with genuine transparency: no hidden fees, no surprises, and no one-size-fits-all pricing that ignores the unique shape of your family.

Whether you're an individual exploring egg freezing, a same-sex couple planning your next step, or someone who has been through IVF before and is looking for a fresh, personalized approach — we are here to help you understand exactly what your path will cost, and to make it as accessible as possible.

→ Book Your Free Consultation

Your consultation is free, no-obligation, and includes a full review of your insurance benefits and a personalized cost estimate. Our team speaks with you as partners in your journey — not as a billing department.

Whether you're a same-sex female couple considering reciprocal IVF, a same-sex male couple exploring surrogacy and egg donation, a single LGBTQ+ parent by choice, or a trans or non-binary individual planning fertility preservation before or after transition — your path exists, and it is well-traveled.

The growing landscape of LGBTQ+ family building

LGBTQ+ family building has moved from the margins of fertility medicine to a clinical specialty in its own right. According to data from the Family Equality Council, an estimated 63% of LGBTQ+ millennials are considering expanding their families using assisted reproduction, foster care, or adoption — a sharp increase from previous generations.

For same-sex female couples, the most common paths are intrauterine insemination (IUI) with donor sperm, standard IVF with donor sperm, and reciprocal IVF — where one partner provides the egg and the other carries the pregnancy. For same-sex male couples, family building typically involves an egg donor, IVF to create embryos, and a gestational carrier (surrogate) to carry the pregnancy. For trans and non-binary individuals, options often include fertility preservation (egg or sperm freezing) before or alongside gender-affirming care.

💡 The shift in numbers: An estimated 77% of LGBTQ+ adults aged 18–35 in the US say they want to become parents — and the majority will pursue assisted reproduction to get there, according to Family Equality research.

What's changed in the last decade isn't just patient demand. It's clinical infrastructure: insurance coverage in states like Connecticut, in-house donor agencies, transparent surrogacy programs, and clinics that have rebuilt their intake forms, consent processes, and patient education to be inclusive from the first email.

The science: what the research says about LGBTQ+ fertility outcomes

Clinical outcomes for LGBTQ+ patients pursuing IVF are excellent — often better than the general infertility population, because many LGBTQ+ patients aren't dealing with underlying infertility at all. They're using reproductive medicine because their family structure requires it, not because their bodies have failed.

A 2026 study in JAMA examining outcomes for same-sex female couples undergoing reciprocal IVF found pregnancy rates comparable to or higher than heterosexual IVF populations, with the authors noting that the predominantly healthy reproductive status of the partners contributed to favorable outcomes.

For surrogacy, a 2020 systematic review in ScienceDirect examining gestational surrogacy outcomes reported live birth rates per embryo transfer of 40–60% in well-screened gestational carriers using high-quality embryos — figures that match or exceed live birth rates for the average IVF cycle in the general population.

The genetic safety of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for LGBTQ+ embryo creation is also well-established. Research in Cureus has consistently shown that PGT-A (aneuploidy screening) improves implantation rates per transfer in patients of all family structures, particularly when the egg source is age 35 or older — a relevant consideration for couples using known or known-donor eggs.

The clinical takeaway is direct: LGBTQ+ family building through IVF and surrogacy is a well-established, evidence-supported pathway. The variable that most affects outcomes isn't sexual orientation or gender identity — it's the quality of the clinic and the lab.

Why Connecticut is one of the most LGBTQ+-supportive places to build a family

Geography matters more than many patients realize when they begin LGBTQ+ family building. Some US states still have restrictive surrogacy laws, ambiguous parental rights, or limited insurance protections. Connecticut sits at the opposite end of the spectrum.

Connecticut is widely recognized as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly states for assisted reproduction. The state recognizes second-parent adoption, has clear gestational surrogacy laws under the Connecticut Parentage Act (effective 2022), and offers some of the strongest insurance mandates for infertility treatment in the country. Same-sex couples and single intended parents have the same legal standing as opposite-sex couples in establishing parentage from birth.

Stamford, Connecticut, in particular, sits in a strategic location for fertility care. It's roughly 40 minutes by train from Manhattan, easily accessible from New York City, Westchester County, Boston, Philadelphia, and the entire Northeast corridor. For international intended parents — particularly those from countries where LGBTQ+ family building is restricted or where commercial surrogacy is prohibited — Stamford's proximity to major airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark) makes it a practical destination for treatment cycles.

For couples comparing options across the US, the combination of Connecticut's legal framework, the state's robust infertility insurance mandate, and access to specialized LGBTQ+ fertility clinics in the Stamford area makes the region one of the strongest hubs for LGBTQ+ family building in North America.

How New England Fertility Institute supports LGBTQ+ family building

New England Fertility Institute (NEFI) is a full-service fertility clinic in Stamford, Connecticut, with deep specialization in LGBTQ+ IVF and family building. The clinic has built its practice around the principle that every family deserves the right to grow — and that the medical, legal, and emotional path to parenthood should be navigated by a team that understands all of it.

A few features distinguish NEFI for LGBTQ+ patients:

• Specialized LGBTQ+ programs. NEFI has developed clinical protocols specifically for same-sex female couples (including reciprocal IVF), same-sex male couples (egg donor + gestational carrier coordination), trans and non-binary fertility preservation, and single parents by choice. Care isn't adapted from a heterosexual default — it's designed from the start to reflect how LGBTQ+ families actually form.
• In-house donor agency. Many fertility journeys require a sperm donor, an egg donor, or both. NEFI's in-house donor agency means intended parents work with one third party coordinator rather than navigating a fragmented network of outside agencies. This typically reduces both cost and timeline. Learn more about the NEFI donor egg program.
• Surrogacy program with global reach. As a global leader in surrogacy and minimally invasive IVF, NEFI runs an established surrogacy program with experience supporting both US-based and international intended parents. Same-sex male couples building families through gestational surrogacy benefit from clinical, legal, and matching expertise under one roof.
• Transparent pricing and insurance guidance. Cost is one of the most common barriers to LGBTQ+ family building. NEFI publishes pricing transparently and provides individualized insurance guidance — particularly important for Connecticut residents who may have coverage under the state's infertility insurance mandate. Explore the full NEFI IVF and surrogacy services.
• Sister practice in San Diego. NEFI is part of the CSG.BIO Group and is the sister practice of Hanabusa IVF in San Diego, California. This network provides bi-coastal options for international and traveling patients and brings combined clinical expertise — including specialized protocols for complex cases such as diminished ovarian reserve, fertility after 40, and gentle stimulation IVF.

The clinic's tone, from intake to delivery, is built around something simple: families are families. The medicine is rigorous; the welcome is warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an LGBTQ+ IVF and surrogacy journey typically look like? For same-sex female couples, the path usually involves choosing a sperm donor, optional fertility testing, and then IUI or IVF — including reciprocal IVF if both partners want a biological role. For same-sex male couples, the journey involves selecting an egg donor, an IVF cycle to create embryos, and matching with a gestational carrier. NEFI coordinates the medical and donor/surrogate steps in one integrated process.

How much does LGBTQ+ family building cost in Connecticut? Costs vary significantly by path. A reciprocal IVF cycle, donor sperm IUI cycle, IVF with donor egg, or full surrogacy journey each have different price points. Connecticut has one of the strongest state infertility insurance mandates in the US, which may cover portions of IVF treatment depending on your plan. NEFI provides transparent pricing and individualized insurance review during your free consultation.

Is surrogacy legal for same-sex couples in Connecticut? Yes. The Connecticut Parentage Act (effective 2022) provides clear legal pathways for intended parents — including same-sex couples and single intended parents — to establish parental rights through gestational surrogacy. Connecticut is widely considered one of the most LGBTQ+-supportive jurisdictions for surrogacy in the US.

Can international LGBTQ+ couples come to NEFI for treatment? Yes. NEFI supports international intended parents seeking IVF, donor egg cycles, and gestational surrogacy in the US. Stamford's proximity to major New York-area airports makes travel logistics manageable, and the clinic team coordinates remote consultations, cycle planning, and on-site treatment scheduling.

What is reciprocal IVF, and is it right for same-sex female couples? Reciprocal IVF — sometimes called partner IVF or co-IVF — is a process in which one partner provides the eggs (egg retrieval), and the other partner carries the pregnancy (embryo transfer). It allows both partners to play a biological role in the family. Reciprocal IVF is one of the most popular LGBTQ+ family building options for same-sex female couples, and NEFI offers full reciprocal IVF programs.

Your family, your timeline, our team

Building an LGBTQ+ family is a personal journey, and no two paths look exactly alike. Whether you're at the beginning — wondering what's possible — or further along and ready to start a cycle, the right clinic should meet you where you are with expertise, transparency, and care that doesn't ask you to translate yourself.

New England Fertility Institute has spent years building the kind of practice LGBTQ+ families deserve specialized, inclusive, transparent, and clinically excellent. Your consultation is free, your timeline is yours, and your team is ready.

→ Book Your Free Consultation

That is why every NEFI graduate qualifies for a complimentary AlphaCord newborn stem cell collection kit — a $850 value, included at no cost. It covers cord blood collection, processing, shipping, and your first full year of storage.

For families whose babies are donor-conceived, cord blood banking is not just worth considering — it carries a particular significance that most general resources do not address. We’ll explain why, and what you need to know before your due date.

What Are Newborn Stem Cells, and Why Is Birth the Only Moment That Matters?

Newborn stem cells are biological building blocks found exclusively in the umbilical cord and placenta at the time of birth. Once the cord is clamped and the placenta delivered, that biological window closes permanently. There is no second opportunity, no alternative source, no way to retrieve them later.

💡 The placenta contains up to 10 times more stem cells than cord blood alone — and is discarded by default at delivery unless you choose to preserve it.

Three distinct stem cell types are collected at birth, each with its own clinical profile:

• Cord blood contains haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) — the blood-forming cells that sit at the foundation of over 30 years of clinical medicine. HSCs have been used to treat more than 80 conditions including leukaemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, thalassaemia, aplastic anaemia, and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Cord blood transplantation is not experimental — it is an established, peer-reviewed treatment modality used in hospitals worldwide.
• Cord tissue contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), found within the Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord. MSCs behave very differently to HSCs: rather than reconstituting blood and immune systems, they are involved in tissue repair, inflammation regulation, and regenerative processes. They are currently the subject of more than 1,000 active clinical trials exploring applications in conditions ranging from cerebral palsy to autoimmune disease.
• Placental tissue is among the most stem-cell-rich biological materials available at birth. Preserving it alongside cord blood and cord tissue significantly expands the biological resource available to your child and their family across a lifetime.

AlphaCord's 3-in-1 collection kit captures all three sources in a single, coordinated procedure performed by your delivery team immediately after birth. It is entirely non-invasive for mother and baby, and is compatible with delayed cord clamping when arranged in advance with your care team.

The Science Behind Cord Blood Banking: What the Research Shows

The clinical case for cord blood banking is built on decades of peer-reviewed evidence — not marketing claims.

A landmark 2016 review published in Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation confirmed that cord blood transplantation is an effective treatment for over 80 haematological and immunological conditions, and highlighted the particular value of autologous (self-donated) cord blood in cases where a matched related donor cannot be identified through family or public registries.

The regenerative applications of MSCs from cord tissue are advancing rapidly. A 2020 phase II clinical trial published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine found statistically significant improvements in gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy who received infusions of their own banked cord blood, with the strongest outcomes observed in children who received their own autologous cells rather than donor cells. The biological match is a meaningful clinical variable — not a minor footnote.

Beyond these established applications, there are currently over 4,000 active clinical trials registered globally that involve cord blood or cord tissue stem cells, exploring potential future treatments for conditions including type 1 diabetes, autism spectrum disorder, hearing loss, stroke recovery, and spinal cord injury. The cells you bank today may have applications that do not yet exist in clinical practice.

Cryopreserved stem cells do not age. At ultra-low temperatures, cellular processes essentially pause. Cells banked at birth remain viable for decades — meaning a collection made in the delivery room today could be available to your child at 20, 40, or beyond.

Why Donor-Conceived Children Have a Particularly Compelling Case for Cord Blood Banking

This is the part that most cord blood banking resources overlook — and it matters deeply for NEFI families.

Standard discussions of cord blood banking often mention the possibility that a sibling's banked stem cells could be used to treat another family member. That is a genuine benefit. But for donor-conceived children, the family dynamics that underpin this assumption are fundamentally different.

If your baby was conceived using donated eggs, donated sperm — or was carried by a surrogate — they may share genetics with half-siblings whose existence, identity, and whereabouts are unknown or uncertain. Even where donor-sibling registries exist and connections have been made, asking a genetic half-sibling to undergo stem cell donation involves complex legal, ethical, and logistical questions that cannot be resolved at the moment of medical need.

More practically: the international bone marrow and stem cell registries, while large, are underrepresented in many ethnic backgrounds. Families who used donors of East Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, African, or mixed heritage may find that public registry matches are harder to identify — a documented and ongoing challenge in transplantation medicine.

Your donor-conceived child's own cord blood, cord tissue, and placental stem cells are their perfect biological match — guaranteed, immediately available, and entirely free of the uncertainty that surrounds family or registry donors.

No search. No waiting list. No ethical complexity. If your child ever requires stem cell therapy, their banked newborn cells are already there, already matched, and already yours.

This is not fear — it is informed planning. At NEFI, we have guided thousands of families through paths that are anything but standard, and we believe access to accurate, complete information is part of the care we owe every patient.

Cord Blood Banking for NEFI Families in Connecticut and Beyond

New England Fertility Institute is based in Stamford, Connecticut, and serves a substantial population of international patients who travel to NEFI for specialist fertility care. Connecticut has one of the most educated and health-aware patient populations in the country, and NEFI families consistently arrive with detailed questions and high expectations. We take that seriously. Providing access to complimentary cord blood banking through our partnership with AlphaCord is one expression of that commitment — removing a financial barrier to a decision that, once the birth window passes, can never be revisited.

AlphaCord was founded in 2002 by parents who believed that cord blood banking should be affordable and accessible to every family — not just those with premium budgets. Their laboratory is AABB accredited and FDA registered, operating under the same standards of quality and compliance that NEFI holds itself to. AlphaCord is part of the CSG.BIO Group, the same family of healthcare companies that includes NEFI — meaning this partnership reflects a shared commitment to integrated, high-quality reproductive and regenerative medicine.

The NEFI complimentary kit offer covers the collection kit itself, full processing, and your first year of storage — an $850 value with no strings attached. After the first year, ongoing storage is $150 per year, with upgrade options available at checkout.

Whether you are delivering at Stamford or any other US states, your delivery team can use the AlphaCord kit with minimal coordination. You simply register, receive your promo code, and pack the kit in your hospital bag before your due date.

How NEFI Makes This Easy for Every Graduate

At New England Fertility Institute, our commitment to your family does not end at egg retrieval or embryo transfer. We understand that reaching the delivery room is the beginning of a new chapter — one that deserves the same level of intention and support you brought to building your family in the first place.

Here is exactly how to claim your complimentary AlphaCord kit as a NEFI graduate:

Step 1 — Register: Ask your care team at NEFI to provide you with the registration link, it takes under a minute.

Step 2 — Receive your promo code: Your promo code arrives by email and covers the full cost of your kit, processing, and first year of storage.

Step 3 — Kit ships to you: Pack it in your hospital bag before your due date. Everything your delivery team needs is inside.

Step 4 — Collection at birth: Your midwife or obstetrician collects cord blood, cord tissue, and placental tissue after delivery. It is painless, takes minutes, and does not interfere with your birth plan.

Step 5 — AlphaCord handles the rest: Temperature-controlled courier collection, lab processing within 24 hours, and long-term cryopreservation in their AABB-accredited facility.

You can also explore more about our fertility services, our approach to LGBTQ+ family building, and our third-party reproduction programs on the NEFI website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cord blood collection interfere with delayed cord clamping? No. AlphaCord's collection protocol is designed to be compatible with delayed cord clamping. You should inform your care team and hospital in advance that you have an AlphaCord kit, so they can coordinate the timing appropriately. Most hospitals are familiar with cord blood banking kits and will accommodate your preferences.

My baby was conceived with donor eggs — are the cord blood cells still my child's own? Yes, completely. The cord blood, cord tissue, and placental cells collected at birth are entirely your child's own biological material. They carry your child's own DNA — the genetic contribution from the egg donor does not affect the stem cells collected from the cord and placenta. Your child's banked cells will always be a perfect match for themselves.

What happens if my child never needs their banked stem cells? The cells remain safely stored and available at no medical risk to your family. Many families think of cord blood banking the way they think of insurance — you take out a policy hoping never to use it, but knowing it is there if circumstances change. Some families also choose, at the end of their storage term, to release cells to public research programs or public banks.

Can the stored cells benefit siblings or other family members? Cord blood stem cells can sometimes be used to treat siblings or close family members if there is a suitable HLA match. For donor-conceived families, the genetic relationships within the household may differ from traditional family structures, making your child's own autologous cells — which are always a perfect self-match — especially important as a first resource.

Is AlphaCord an accredited, regulated facility? Yes. AlphaCord's laboratory is AABB accredited and FDA registered. AlphaCord has been operating continuously since 2002 and is part of the CSG.BIO Group — the same organisation that encompasses New England Fertility Institute. Quality, compliance, and long-term stability are central to how both organisations operate.

Your Baby Arrived Against the Odds. Their Stem Cells Deserve the Same Care.

Every family we see at New England Fertility Institute has a story. Most of those stories involve persistence, heartbreak, hope, and the decision to keep going. The baby arriving in your delivery room is the result of all of that — and of extraordinary science, and of the people who supported you along the way.

Preserving their newborn stem cells is one of the quietest, most forward-looking things you can do in those first hours after birth. It costs you nothing as a NEFI graduate. It takes minutes. And it ensures that, whatever the future holds, your child carries their most valuable biological resource with them — always matched, always available, always theirs.

If you have questions about the AlphaCord offer, your delivery plan, or anything else as your due date approaches, your NEFI care team is here.

→ Schedule a Free Consultation or speak with your NEFI care coordinator directly about claiming your complimentary AlphaCord kit before your due date.

There are several tests which can predict whether a woman has a faster biological clock, such as the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test. This simple blood test helps to estimate what is called “ovarian reserve” because its level can reflect the size of the remaining egg supply in the ovary at a particular time.

“The test can’t tell you exactly how many eggs you have left – or the quality of those eggs – but it can tell you if there is an inadequate supply,” he says.

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, AMH testing is especially useful for women who have a higher risk of reduced ovarian reserve including:

• Women who are over age 35 years;
• Women with a family history of early menopause;
• Women with only one ovary;
• Women with a history of ovarian surgery, chemotherapy or pelvic radiation therapy;
• Women with unexplained infertility; and
• Women who have shown poor response to ovarian stimulation.

“With the test results in hand, we can discuss their reproductive options and develop a plan. If a woman is not in a situation to get pregnant quickly, she may choose to have her eggs frozen for the future.”

Dr. Lavy advises women to seek the help of an infertility specialist if they have been trying to get pregnant for six months or more. They should also seek the care of a specialist if they have had more than one miscarriage or are considering their options for fertility preservation.

“Knowledge can be empowering,” Dr. Lavy adds. “We can help you make an informed decision.”

But as she grew, that spirited girl’s dream changed. Instead of being just a princess, she wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer or the CEO of a business kingdom. So she went to college and focused on her career—all the while still dreaming of the little princesses and princes she would cradle in her arms… someday.

Sounds like a fairytale, huh? Well, today many women are indeed choosing to have it all—a satisfying career and a family. But delaying marriage and then motherhood does present some obstacles to having a baby. But fear not! A relatively new process for egg freezing called “vitrification” is offering women the ability to essentially “stop the clock” until they are ready to realize their dream of growing a family.

USE IT (YOUR EGGS) OR LOOSE IT? NOT NECESSARILY SO.

Unlike the 1950s when many young women said “I do” just a year or two after graduating from high school, more and more women (and men) are choosing to walk down the aisle for the first time while pushing 30. According to U.S. census data, women are getting married at 27 and men at 29, on average.

Although this trend is great news for women as it relates to education and earning power, it’s not so good news for their proverbial biological clock.

According to Dr. Gad Lavy, a fellowship-trained Reproductive Endocrinologist and Practice Director at New England Fertility Institute, a woman’s eggs begin to diminish in quantity and quality as she ages. “A recent study found that women lost 90 percent of their eggs by the time they are 30 years old, and 97 percent are gone by the age of 40,” she says. “This means that as a woman ages, her odds of getting pregnant drop significantly.”

Dr. Lavy is among the growing number of infertility specialists offering the option of egg freezing, or cryopreservation, to women who are choosing to delay motherhood. It is also an option for adolescents who have been diagnosed with cancer or other serious diseases and must undergo fertility-threatening treatments.

“Today many women are choosing to focus on their careers before settling down and starting a family,” Dr. Lavy says. “I have seen patients who are in medical school or those who haven’t met their spouse yet. They know in their hearts they want to have baby in a few years—but not yet.

“If you are in your late 20s or early 30s and hoping to conceive in the next several years, egg freezing is something to seriously consider,” he says.

“The relationship between stress and infertility is complex,” says Dr. Gad Lavy, a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist at New England Fertility Institute. “Psychological stress does not appear to cause infertility, but infertility is certainly a major cause of psychological stress for our patients.”

Facing infertility can cause a profound emotional strain that most couples don’t expect. Studies have shown that up to 40% of women meet diagnostic criteria for anxiety or depression at the time of their initial visit with a fertility specialist, and many women go on to report their experience with infertility and its treatments as the most stressful event of their lives.

“Infertility can be very isolating,” Dr. Lavy says. “Many women have a hard time talking with their family members, friends, or even their partners about such personal issues, and often end up suffering in silence as a result.”

Social pressures commonly add to the emotional burden of infertility. Reminders of infertility are everywhere—a baby photo on a social media site, a birth announcement in the mail, a holiday dinner with nephews and nieces… These everyday encounters may lead to social withdrawal in some women, while others experience symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, weight changes, or difficulty concentrating.

Dr. Lavy believes encouraging stress reduction and healthy coping techniques is an essential part of his role as a fertility specialist. “Stress is the #1 reason people abandon fertility care—not treatment failure, not financial concerns—simply overwhelming emotional stress.” Although studies have shown that stress reduction doesn’t directly lead to higher pregnancy rates, Dr. Lavy explains that it does ultimately help more couples to reach their goal of becoming pregnant: “It helps them to keep trying.”

Women and men undergoing fertility treatments can effectively reduce their stress in a number of different ways. Acupuncture, yoga, art, music, sports, dance, and exercise are all commonly used, and couples are also encouraged to stay engaged with their social support networks. Meeting with counselors or local support groups can also be beneficial, particularly for combatting feelings of isolation and hopelessness that may occur. Resolve has a number of online resources that many couples find helpful, including a directory of local infertility support groups.

“The journey to parenthood can be challenging, but it helps to know that you are not alone,” Dr. Lavy offers.

Until recently, the only method for preserving eggs for fertilization at a later date was a slow-freeze method. But unlike sperm, which has been successfully frozen and used for many years, eggs contain a lot of water, which makes freezing more difficult. With slow-freezing, ice crystals can form within the egg, and these ice crystals can destroy the cell’s structure.

“With vitrification, the egg freezes so quickly that ice crystals don’t have time to form,” Dr. Lavy says. “When the woman is ready to try pregnancy, the thawed eggs can be fertilized using ICSI, a technique that injects one sperm directly into one egg.”

In 2012, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine declared egg freezing no longer experimental because eggs frozen with vitrification are similar to fresh eggs in terms of their ability to lead to pregnancy.

“Worldwide, the number of babies born from frozen eggs is growing, and we are seeing good results,” Dr. Lavy says.