Choice moms--women who are or wish to become single mothers by choice--have lots of options these days for growing their families. If you wish to become a choice mom, consider the following options:
Many countries allow international adoption to single women, including: Bulgaria, Colombia, Ethiopia, Haiti, Kazakhstan, India, Mexico, Peru, and Russia. In addition to domestic and international adoption, foster care adoption is another viable option.
Artificial insemination, also known as intrauterine insemination (or IUI), through an unknown donor is another option for choice moms. However, it is imperative that you choose a professionally maintained sperm bank that is meticulous in its procedures and adheres to the standards set forth by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Another option for choice moms is using a known donor. In this case, it is important that you have a lawyer draw up a donor agreement for you. In addition, you may want to consider asking the donor to donate his sperm to you through a local sperm bank, in order to preserve the quality of the specimen.
IVF is another option available to choice moms. However, the cost can be prohibitive. According to RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, IVF can cost up to $15,000--compared to $895 for IUI.
References:
Collura, Barbara. "The Costs of Infertility Treatment." RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. 16 Jan. 2009 <http://www.resolve.org/site/ PageServer?pagename=lrn_mta_cost>.
"Single Adoption Options." Adoptive Families. 16 Jan. 2009 <http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/ downloads/SingleAdoptionOptions9-08>.
Adoption
Many countries allow international adoption to single women, including: Bulgaria, Colombia, Ethiopia, Haiti, Kazakhstan, India, Mexico, Peru, and Russia. In addition to domestic and international adoption, foster care adoption is another viable option.
Artificial Insemination Through an Unknown Donor
Artificial insemination, also known as intrauterine insemination (or IUI), through an unknown donor is another option for choice moms. However, it is imperative that you choose a professionally maintained sperm bank that is meticulous in its procedures and adheres to the standards set forth by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Artificial Insemination Through a Known Donor
Another option for choice moms is using a known donor. In this case, it is important that you have a lawyer draw up a donor agreement for you. In addition, you may want to consider asking the donor to donate his sperm to you through a local sperm bank, in order to preserve the quality of the specimen.
In Vitro Fertilization (or IVF)
IVF is another option available to choice moms. However, the cost can be prohibitive. According to RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, IVF can cost up to $15,000--compared to $895 for IUI.
References:
Collura, Barbara. "The Costs of Infertility Treatment." RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. 16 Jan. 2009 <http://www.resolve.org/site/ PageServer?pagename=lrn_mta_cost>.
"Single Adoption Options." Adoptive Families. 16 Jan. 2009 <http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/ downloads/SingleAdoptionOptions9-08>.