For lesbian couples dreaming of motherhood, Colombia offers something special: the ability for both partners to participate biologically in creating your family. Through the ROPA method (Reception of Oocytes from Partner), one partner provides the eggs while the other carries the pregnancy — true shared motherhood.
Colombia's progressive legal framework, combined with costs 50-60% lower than the US, makes it an ideal destination for female same-sex couples building families.
🏳️🌈 Colombia's Legal Framework for Lesbian Couples
Same-sex marriage: Legal since 2016
Equal access to fertility treatment: Constitutionally protected
Parental recognition: Both partners can be listed as legal parents
No discrimination: Explicit constitutional protections
What is the ROPA Method?
ROPA stands for Reception of Oocytes from Partner (from the Spanish "recepción de ovocitos de la pareja"). It's also called reciprocal IVF, shared motherhood IVF, or partner-assisted reproduction.
Here's how it works:
- Partner A (genetic mother): Provides the eggs through ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval
- Donor sperm: Fertilizes the eggs in the laboratory
- Partner B (gestational mother): Receives the embryo and carries the pregnancy
The result? Both women have a biological connection to their child — one genetic, one gestational. It's the only method that allows lesbian couples to truly share the biological experience of parenthood.
ROPA vs Traditional IVF for Lesbian Couples
| Method | How It Works | Biological Connection |
|---|---|---|
| ROPA / Reciprocal IVF | One partner's eggs, other partner carries | Both partners (genetic + gestational) |
| Standard IVF | Same partner provides eggs and carries | One partner only |
| IUI (Insemination) | Donor sperm, natural conception process | One partner only |
Why Choose ROPA?
Shared Biological Motherhood
The most compelling reason: both partners participate in creating your child. Research shows that 60% of lesbian couples who choose ROPA do so specifically to share the biological experience of motherhood. This can strengthen the bond between partners and help both feel equally connected to their child.
Medical Flexibility
ROPA offers options when one partner faces fertility challenges. If one woman has low egg quality but a healthy uterus, she can carry. If the other has great eggs but uterine issues, she can provide the genetic material. You're working with two sets of reproductive potential instead of one.
Emotional Balance
Standard IVF can create an imbalance — one partner goes through everything while the other watches. ROPA distributes the experience. Both women undergo medical procedures, both make sacrifices, and both have a biological claim to parenthood.
Success Rates
Studies show ROPA achieves success rates of 57-60% live birth rate per cycle — often higher than standard IVF. This may be because you're selecting the best eggs from one partner and the healthiest uterus from the other, rather than relying on one woman for both.
The ROPA Process Step-by-Step
Initial Evaluation
Both partners undergo fertility testing: hormone levels (AMH, FSH), ultrasounds, and general health screening. Results help determine who should provide eggs and who should carry.
Decide Roles
Based on medical assessments and personal preference, choose who will be the egg provider (genetic mother) and who will be the gestational carrier. Age, egg quality, and uterine health all factor in.
Sperm Donor Selection
Choose from the clinic's anonymous donor bank. You'll see profiles with physical characteristics, education, medical history, and genetic screening results.
Synchronization
Both partners' cycles are synchronized using hormones. The egg provider begins ovarian stimulation while the gestational partner prepares her uterine lining.
Egg Retrieval
The egg provider undergoes a 20-minute retrieval procedure under sedation. Eggs are collected and fertilized with donor sperm in the laboratory.
Embryo Transfer
After 5 days of embryo development, the best embryo is transferred to the gestational partner's uterus. The procedure is quick and painless.
Pregnancy Test
About 10-12 days after transfer, a blood test confirms pregnancy. If successful, prenatal care begins!
ROPA Costs in Colombia
| Service | Colombia Cost | US Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ROPA / Reciprocal IVF Cycle | $6,000 - $9,000 | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Donor Sperm | $500 - $1,500 | $800 - $1,500 |
| Medications (both partners) | $1,500 - $3,000 | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| PGT-A Genetic Testing (optional) | $2,000 - $4,000 | $4,000 - $6,000 |
| Total ROPA Cycle | $8,000 - $13,500 | $24,000 - $40,000 |
Add travel and accommodation for two people (17-20 days): approximately $3,000-$5,000. Even with travel, you'll save $12,000-$22,000 compared to US treatment.
Who Should Provide the Eggs vs. Carry?
This is often the biggest decision couples face. Here are medical factors to consider:
Consider Being the Egg Provider If:
- You're the younger partner (egg quality declines faster than uterine receptivity)
- You have higher AMH levels / better ovarian reserve
- You have uterine issues (fibroids, abnormal shape)
- You've previously given birth (uterus may be "used")
- You don't want to experience pregnancy/childbirth
Consider Being the Gestational Carrier If:
- You have a healthy uterus with no structural issues
- You've had successful pregnancies before
- You want to experience pregnancy and birth
- Your partner has better egg quality
- You're older but your partner is younger (use her eggs)
Variations of ROPA
Reciprocal ROPA: Both partners do everything at once — each provides eggs that are transferred to the other, resulting in simultaneous pregnancies.
Reverse ROPA: If the first cycle fails, partners switch roles for the next attempt.
Sequential ROPA: One partner carries the first child; the other carries a sibling later using frozen embryos from the first cycle.
Clinics Offering ROPA in Colombia
Eugin Bogotá
Part of the global Eugin network, they specialize in ROPA for lesbian couples. They have their own egg bank (rare in Colombia) and extensive experience with LGBTQ+ families. Their protocols are standardized across 30+ international clinics.
InSer (Medellín & Bogotá)
Colombia's largest fertility network offers ROPA at both locations. With 30+ years of experience and AAAASFI accreditation, they're well-equipped for international LGBTQ+ patients. English-speaking staff available.
Start Your Shared Motherhood Journey
We'll connect you with LGBTQ+-experienced clinics in Colombia and help you plan your ROPA cycle from start to finish.
Get Free ConsultationLegal Considerations
In Colombia
Colombia's 2016 marriage equality ruling extends all parental rights to same-sex couples. Both partners can be listed on the birth certificate as legal parents. This is handled through the standard legal process — no additional adoption required.
Returning Home
If you're from the US, your child is eligible for citizenship through the US citizen parent. You'll apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad at the US Embassy in Bogotá and obtain a US passport before traveling home.
Consult with a reproductive attorney in your home country before treatment to understand any additional steps needed for both partners to be recognized as legal parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do we need to stay in Colombia?
Plan for 17-20 days. Both partners need to be present for synchronization, procedures, and the transfer. The egg provider can potentially leave earlier, but the gestational partner should rest for several days after transfer.
Can we use a known sperm donor?
Colombian law requires anonymous sperm donation. You'll receive detailed donor profiles but won't have identifying information. This protects all parties legally.
What if we want multiple children?
Extra embryos can be frozen for future siblings. Many couples do one cycle, freeze remaining embryos, then return later — potentially switching roles so both partners experience pregnancy.
Do both partners need to take time off work?
Ideally, yes. The egg provider needs 10-12 days for stimulation and retrieval. The gestational partner needs to be present for preparation and transfer. Many couples work remotely during most of this time.
What are the success rates?
ROPA success rates are typically 40-60% per cycle, with some studies showing 57-60% live birth rates. Success depends heavily on the egg provider's age — using eggs from a partner under 35 gives the best odds.
Read more: Gay Surrogacy in Colombia | IVF Cost Guide | IVF in Medellín