How to Choose a Fertility Clinic

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Sounds easy doesn’t it?

When we set out on our fertility journey we made a tonne of mistakes. We spent hundreds of pounds, if not thousands on treatments or treatment add ons we just didn’t need. No was there guiding me and Wes, no one had our back, and there wasn’t an organisation that had the genuine interests of gay, trans men and non binary people when in came to surrogacy. Today’s blog is written in partnership with GENNET City Fertility – and it’s one of my personal faves. Over to you Lukas!

What Should You Look for in a Fertility Clinic?

If you have never been on this journey before it is possible that you and your partner will not know what to look for when deciding on your perfect clinic. But this doesn’t mean that you should worry. We’re more than happy to help and to provide a few tips and recommendations on what you should look for when choosing the ideal centre for your fertility treatments:

An Inclusive and Diverse Team

Most people find it easier to take that first step on the journey to parenthood when feel supported. By finding a clinic with an inclusive and diverse team, you’re likely to be putting yourself in the care of those who understand your experiences. They may have even been through a similar experience and therefore be able to provide more relevant advice and information. 

Many companies and organisations will make a particular show of inclusion and diversity during Pride Month. For example, including changing their logos to include the colours of the Pride flag. However, when the month ends, so will the practice, along with any indication that support is given to the community. It’s all part of an act known as “pinkwashing”. This is regarded as virtue signalling designed to make a company look more welcoming and inclusive than they may be. 

One way you may narrow down the list is to see if any take part in pinkwashing during Pride Month. If they do, and there is no other indication given that they offer a safe, inclusive place for you to receive your treatment, then they may not be the clinics for you. Instead, focus your search on clinics that make every patient a priority throughout the year, regardless of gender or sexuality.

An LGBTQ+ Section on Their Website

The best way to ensure your clinic is not pinkwashing is to check their website for an LGBTQ+ section. The better the information, and the more relevant and inclusive their services are, the more likely that particular clinic is to understand and be able to accommodate the needs of every patient they have, not just heterosexual couples. 

A Specialist Understanding of Surrogacy

Any fertility clinic working with patients in the LGBTQ+ community should have an understanding of surrogacy, or be in partnership with organisations (such as TwoDads UK and My Surrogacy Journey) that do. By presenting a partnership with organisations in the know, a clinic is indicating that they are open to learning more and to offering services tailored to everyone who comes to them.

These clinics should also make it clear that surrogacy is treated with as much care, attention, and respect as any other service or treatment provided. Family is for everyone! No way of forming a family should be approached as less important or not as valid as any other kind.

A Personal Approach

It’s natural to want to feel valued, and shown respect not only as a patient, but also as a person. Any fertility clinic you choose should offer this for you. They should be able to make you feel as comfortable and happy with every part of the process as possible. No one likes being treated as a statistic! You shouldn’t be expected to agree to it in order to receive the treatment you want.

Smaller clinics are often better at offering a personal approach and a family feel. They will usually encourage you to take as long as you need to consider all your options. Many will even take that extra time to look carefully into a patient’s circumstances to create a bespoke treatment plan. Doing this ensures that patients are receiving the right care and attention, no matter what they require from their clinic.