Bottom Line Up Front
Reciprocal IVF (ROPA) lets both partners in a lesbian couple participate biologically in their child's creation — one provides the eggs, the other carries the pregnancy. Colombia fully supports this treatment for same-sex couples, at roughly $6,000–$10,000 for a complete cycle compared to $20,000–$35,000 in the United States.
For many lesbian couples, one of the most meaningful aspects of starting a family is the ability for both partners to have a biological connection to their child. Reciprocal IVF — also known as ROPA (Reception of Oocytes from Partner) or partner-assisted reproduction — makes this possible in a way that no other fertility treatment can.
One partner provides her eggs (the genetic mother), and the other partner carries the pregnancy (the gestational mother). Both are biologically involved. Both are medically participating. And in Colombia, both are recognized as parents.
How Reciprocal IVF Works
The process follows the same medical steps as a standard donor egg IVF cycle, with one important distinction: the egg provider is your partner, not an anonymous donor.
Step 1: Evaluation of Both Partners
The egg-providing partner undergoes ovarian reserve testing (AMH, antral follicle count, FSH) to assess egg quality and expected yield. The carrying partner has a uterine evaluation (hysteroscopy or saline sonogram) and hormonal assessment to confirm the uterus is ready for implantation. Both partners complete standard infectious disease screening.
Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation
The egg-providing partner takes injectable fertility medications (typically gonadotropins like Gonal-F or Menopur) for 10–14 days to stimulate multiple follicles. During this time, she has regular monitoring appointments (bloodwork and ultrasound) every 2–3 days. Simultaneously, the carrying partner begins estrogen and progesterone to prepare her uterine lining for embryo transfer.
Step 3: Egg Retrieval and Fertilization
When the follicles reach maturity, the egg-providing partner undergoes a transvaginal egg retrieval under light sedation (approximately 15–20 minutes). The retrieved eggs are fertilized with donor sperm via ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) for optimal fertilization rates. Embryos develop in the lab for 5–6 days to the blastocyst stage.
Step 4: Embryo Transfer
A selected embryo is transferred to the carrying partner's prepared uterus. This is a simple, painless procedure that takes approximately 10 minutes and requires no anesthesia. A pregnancy test is performed 10–14 days later.
Who Provides Eggs and Who Carries?
This is a deeply personal decision. Medical factors to consider include each partner's age (younger eggs generally yield better outcomes), ovarian reserve, uterine health, and any known fertility factors. Many couples also weigh emotional preferences — some partners feel strongly about the experience of pregnancy, while others are drawn to the genetic connection. Your fertility specialist can help guide this conversation with data and sensitivity.
Why Colombia for Reciprocal IVF
Not every country offers reciprocal IVF. Some nations restrict fertility treatment to heterosexual married couples, and even countries that permit same-sex IVF may not specifically accommodate the ROPA protocol. Colombia is one of the most welcoming destinations for LGBTQ+ family building in Latin America.
Colombia recognized same-sex unions in 2007 and legalized same-sex marriage via a Constitutional Court ruling in 2016. Fertility clinics in Bogotá and Medellín routinely serve same-sex couples from Colombia and abroad, and the legal pathway to parentage is established. Both partners can be named on the birth certificate.
Cost of Reciprocal IVF in Colombia
| Component | Colombia (Typical 2026 Range) | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Reciprocal IVF cycle (complete) | $6,000–$10,000 | $20,000–$35,000 |
| Fertility medications (both partners) | $1,500–$3,000 | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Donor sperm (per vial, shipped) | $500–$1,200 | $500–$1,200 |
| PGT-A (optional) | $1,500–$3,000 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Embryo freezing + 1 year storage | $500–$1,000 | $1,000–$2,000 |
Total savings for a reciprocal IVF cycle in Colombia compared to the US typically range from $15,000 to $25,000, even after accounting for flights, accommodation, and living expenses during the 2–3 week treatment period.
Choosing a Sperm Donor
Reciprocal IVF requires donor sperm. You have several options. International sperm banks (such as California Cryobank, Fairfax Cryobank, or European Sperm Bank) ship to Colombian clinics. You can browse donor profiles, review genetic testing, childhood photos (where available), and audio recordings from home before traveling. Alternatively, Colombian sperm banks offer local donors at lower cost. Some couples prefer a known donor (friend or family member), which is also accommodated in Colombia with appropriate legal agreements.
Plan Ahead for Sperm Shipping
International sperm shipment takes 2–4 weeks to arrange. Start this process as soon as you select your donor and confirm your clinic. Your clinic's international patient coordinator can guide you through the import requirements.
What to Expect During Your Trip
Both partners typically need to be in Colombia for 2–3 weeks. The egg-providing partner needs to be present for the full stimulation and retrieval phase (12–16 days). The carrying partner can arrive later if her lining preparation is managed via medication started at home, but most couples prefer to travel together for the full experience.
Medellín is the most popular city for international fertility patients, with spring-like weather year-round, a lower cost of living than Bogotá, and a compact, walkable healthcare district in El Poblado. Extended-stay apartments in safe, comfortable neighborhoods run $40–$80 per night.
Legal Considerations
Colombian law recognizes both partners as legal parents in a reciprocal IVF arrangement. Both names appear on the birth certificate. If you plan to deliver in your home country (which is common — many patients only come to Colombia for the IVF cycle itself, then return home for prenatal care and delivery), consult a family law attorney in your state or province to ensure the parentage recognition translates smoothly.
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Get Free ConsultationThe Emotional Significance
What makes reciprocal IVF special goes beyond biology. It transforms the IVF process from something that one partner experiences while the other watches into something truly shared. Both of you are showing up for appointments, both of you are taking medications, both of you are making physical sacrifices for your future child. That shared investment — that mutual vulnerability — is something many couples describe as profoundly bonding.
Colombia's welcoming environment, affordable pricing, and established LGBTQ+ rights make it one of the best places in the world to pursue this path to parenthood.