Today, we’re sharing the heartwarming story of Emma and Lucas as they embark on their family-building adventure with the help of a known donor. This is part of our series dedicated to celebrating the unique paths families take in their journey to parenthood. We asked each couple a set of questions to let their voices shine through, and we hope their experiences inspire you. A big thank you to Lucas for opening up about their journey!
When did you know you were ready to start a family?
For Emma and me, starting a family has always been a cherished dream. As members of the LGBTQ community, we understood the challenges and expenses involved, which made it an emotional topic for us. However, we felt deep down that we were meant to share our love with a little one, or maybe two! After getting married, achieving career milestones, and moving into a cozy home, we realized it was time to take the next exciting step: expanding our family. We’re even hoping to try for a second little one with help from an at-home insemination kit before the year wraps up!
How did you go about finding your donor?
We started our search by joining an online platform dedicated to connecting people with donors. It felt like we sifted through thousands of profiles, essays, and photos to find the right match for our family. We chose to do things differently than most couples by wanting our donor to be involved in our child’s life. Our biggest concern was how our child might feel as they grew older and began asking questions about their origins. We wanted to provide answers beyond just a donor number from a clinic. After a few months of searching, we found Alex. He seemed perfect and, over the next year, we spent time Facetiming, chatting, and getting to know each other. He even visited us! Alex was on board with being a positive presence in our child’s life while we took the reins on parenting decisions. We knew we had found our ideal match!
What about the legal considerations?
Navigating the legal side of things was surprisingly simple. In our state, signing the birth certificate is sufficient for establishing legal parentage. We didn’t need extra legal documents, and Alex was fully supportive of granting us all rights to our baby. Even two years later, he still visits us whenever he can and keeps in touch regularly.
Did you consult a lawyer?
Yes, we reached out to a lawyer just to ensure we had everything covered. They confirmed that the birth certificate would secure our parental rights.
If you’re thinking about using a known donor, keep in mind that our experiences are unique and not meant to serve as legal or medical advice. For more detailed information, check out this helpful article on family equality. Also, if you’re looking for additional insights, our blog has some engaging activities to support your developing baby.
In summary, Emma and Lucas’s journey showcases the love and determination that can accompany building a family with a known donor. By prioritizing open communication and ensuring legal safeguards, they are creating a nurturing environment for their future child.