Bottom line up front: Reciprocal IVF (ROPA — Reception of Oocytes from Partner) allows lesbian couples to both biologically participate in creating their child. One partner provides the eggs, the other carries the pregnancy. Colombia's legal framework fully supports this — both partners can be recognised as legal parents from birth. The cost in Colombia is $5,000–$8,000 versus $15,000–$25,000 in the US.
How ROPA Works
- Egg provider: One partner undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval (identical to the first half of a standard IVF cycle)
- Fertilisation: Retrieved eggs are fertilised with donor sperm using IVF/ICSI
- Embryo transfer: The resulting embryos are transferred to the other partner's uterus
- Pregnancy: The gestational partner carries and delivers the baby
The result: one partner is the genetic mother, the other is the gestational (birth) mother. Both have a biological connection to the child.
Deciding Who Does What
This is often the most meaningful conversation in the ROPA process. Factors to consider:
| Factor | Egg Provider Should Be... | Gestational Carrier Should Be... |
|---|---|---|
| Age | The younger partner (better egg quality) | Either — uterine age matters less than egg age |
| Ovarian reserve (AMH) | The partner with higher AMH/AFC | The partner with lower ovarian reserve |
| Uterine health | Either | The partner with a healthy uterus (no fibroids, prior surgery) |
| Health conditions | Either (if eggs are healthy) | The partner without pregnancy contraindications |
| Personal preference | Some partners feel strongly about genetic connection | Some feel strongly about carrying |
Legal Framework in Colombia
Colombia's Constitutional Court has consistently upheld the rights of same-sex couples to form families, including through assisted reproduction. Both mothers can be registered on the birth certificate from birth — no adoption process is needed for the non-gestational partner. This is a significant advantage over many other countries where the non-biological mother must go through a second-parent adoption process.
Request that your Colombian fertility clinic provide documentation of the ROPA procedure, including both partners' roles, for your home country's vital records office. While Colombia recognises both parents, your home country may require additional documentation to register both mothers — having comprehensive clinic records simplifies this.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Colombia | US |
|---|---|---|
| Egg provider stimulation + retrieval | $2,500–$4,000 | $8,000–$15,000 |
| ICSI fertilisation | $800–$1,500 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Embryo transfer to gestational partner | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Donor sperm (bank) | $500–$1,000 | $800–$1,500 |
| Medications | $500–$1,500 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Total | $5,000–$8,000 | $15,000–$25,000 |
Trip Planning for ROPA
Both partners need to be in Colombia for most of the process. The egg provider undergoes 8–12 days of monitoring and stimulation. The gestational partner begins endometrial preparation (oral or injectable oestrogen) 2–3 weeks before the anticipated transfer date, which can be started at home and continued in Colombia.
Plan for a 12–16 day trip to cover both retrieval and transfer, or consider a two-trip approach (retrieval trip + frozen transfer trip) for maximum scheduling flexibility.
Planning ROPA Together?
Tell us about both partners and we will connect you with Colombian clinics experienced in reciprocal IVF — with full legal support for both mothers.
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