Gay Couples Turn To Crowdfunding As Surrogacy Expenses And Insurance Denials Mount

Insider recently spoke to several same-sex couples who are resorting to crowdfunding platforms, such as GoFundMe, to alleviate the financial burden of affording surrogacy.

Heteronormative definitions of infertility often exclude gay couples from receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF) coverage under their health insurance plans. These couples face significant challenges and limited assistance, leading them to explore alternative options.  

As per Business Insider India, Noah and Tyler Tyner-Dernulc, a gay couple, started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for their surrogacy journey but have only managed to raise $190 out of the $140,750 they need. They express frustration with the system, realizing the process would be less expensive and complicated if they were a straight couple with insurance coverage.  

Tom Khazanov and his husband have raised $1,400 towards their $50,000 goal for surrogacy expenses. They plan to combine the funds with loans and personal savings. Khazanov has used social media, particularly his Instagram account, to share their crowdfunding efforts.  

Philip Dobaj and Steve Dobaj have raised only $100 two months into their campaign. They consider crowdfunding a last resort after exhausting all other financial options. Their insurance provider does not cover any aspects of surrogacy or IVF, leaving them with an overwhelming out-of-pocket expense that could reach up to $250,000.  

Health insurance providers frequently deny coverage for IVF procedures to gay couples, citing a lack of infertility diagnosis. The costs of surrogacy procedures can range from $150,000 to $200,000, placing a heavy burden on these couples. Despite searching for affordable loans and hoping for a miracle, many couples struggle to reach their crowdfunding targets. 

Men Having Babies, a non-profit organization, supports gay intended parents. Through their Gay Parenting Assistance Program, couples like Joseph Alcantara and Ryan Rebeca can access substantial discounts on vital services such as IVF, surrogacy, egg donation, and legal assistance. This program aims to dismantle the financial barriers faced by gay couples and has already helped more than 70 babies enter the world.  

Ron Poole-Dayan, the executive director of Men Having Babies, advocates for a new definition of infertility that recognizes the unique challenges cis-gendered and male same-sex couples face. He proposes adding “social infertility” to put gay couples on equal footing with medically infertile straight couples. This redefinition could help address the discrimination faced by gay couples in accessing insurance coverage for IVF. 

Corey Briskin and Nicholas Maggipinto, both attorneys, have filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against the City of New York. They argue that the city’s health plan discriminates against them as a same-sex couple by making it impossible for them to be deemed infertile and receive IVF coverage. The lack of coverage forces them to pay for IVF out of pocket, creating financial strain and difficult decisions.  

The financial burden of surrogacy and IVF procedures falls heavily on gay couples due to limited health insurance coverage and discriminatory policies. Crowdfunding has become a last resort for many couples, but success is often limited.

Non-profit organizations like Men Having Babies provide support and financial assistance, but the need for systemic change and redefining infertility to include social factors remains crucial to address the disparities faced by same-sex couples.