LGBTQ+ and single parents

How does surrogacy work for transgender and non-binary parents?

The short answer

Transgender and non-binary intended parents can build a family through gestational surrogacy using their own banked sperm or eggs, a partner's gametes, or donor gametes. The medical path depends on fertility preservation: sperm or eggs frozen before hormone therapy can be thawed and used for IVF; after long-term hormone therapy, some people regain fertility after a supervised pause, which ASRM advises discussing with a reproductive endocrinologist. Illinois parentage law is gender-neutral and the Equality for Every Family Act removes the genetic-link requirement (reviewed by counsel). The surrogacy steps, timeline (18 to 24 months) and costs are the same as for any intended parent.

Written by Mark Silverberg, MD

Executive Director. Physician with 30+ years of practice; reads every surrogate candidate's records.

Medically reviewed by Mark Silverberg, MD

Last updated October 14, 2026

What gamete options do transgender parents have?

This section is being written.

Does hormone therapy affect fertility, and can it be paused?

This section is being written.

How does legal parentage work for trans and non-binary parents in Illinois?

This section is being written.

What should the birth certificate and parentage order say?

This section is being written.

How are surrogates and clinics screened for inclusivity?

This section is being written.

What does the journey cost and how long does it take?

This section is being written.

How does PLS run a journey for trans parents?

This section is being written.

Table in preparation

Gamete scenarios for trans parents: banked gametes before transition, gametes after paused hormone therapy, partner gametes, donor gametes, with clinical steps and who to consult

Frequently asked questions

Can a transgender woman use her own sperm after years of estrogen?

Sometimes. Sperm production can return after stopping estrogen for several months, but results vary. A reproductive endocrinologist can assess with a semen analysis.

Will the birth certificate use my correct name and gender?

Illinois parentage orders name parents without gendered terms; counsel drafts the order to match your legal name. Reviewed by counsel.

Are PLS surrogates willing to carry for trans parents?

PLS asks each surrogate about family types during intake and introduces only surrogates who have said yes.