For all couples, whether heterosexual or homosexual, finding the right fertility clinic is probably the biggest challenge. After all, the clinic should be ideally suited to the couple's individual needs. Success rates, prices and time are key factors. For lesbian couples, the legal situation also plays an important role, as fertility treatment for same-sex couples is not permitted everywhere.

The countries

In Europe, the following countries offer fertility treatment for lesbian couples:

• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• France
• Great Britain
• Ireland
• Iceland
• Israel
• Latvia
• The Netherlands
• Austria
• Republic of Northern Cyprus
• Republic of Cyprus
• Switzerland (since 2021)
• Sweden
• Spain

Each of these countries has different rules on open and anonymous sperm donation and pre-implantation genetic testing. Depending on which country you choose, you should seek detailed advice on the legal situation.

If you are interested in a shared motherhood, you can do this in the above countries, except Switzerland, where egg donation is allowed.

In some German federal states (e.g. Bavaria and Brandenburg, as well as Berlin and Hamburg), some clinics assist same-sex couples with sperm donation. As egg donation is prohibited in Germany, shared motherhood is not possible in Germany.

Northern Cyprus is particularly popular as there is no need to prove a registered partnership. There is also no age limit and you can legally choose the sex of the child.

The Netherlands allows treatment for same-sex couples, but it is very difficult to find a clinic that accepts lesbian couples.

Although non-European, South Africa is also considered a popular country. However, fertility treatment is only available up to the age of 55.

About the clinics

As with your local doctor, trust is important when it comes to fertility clinics. The best way to contact some clinics is by email. Most of these clinics also offer an initial consultation via video chat, which I would definitely recommend. This way you can make a preliminary selection. After all, you as a couple need to feel comfortable with the clinic and the staff there.

In many fertility clinics abroad, the staff speak English and are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have.

However, depending on the country and clinic, you may have to wait a long time for an answer. This is because local women are always given priority in fertility clinics (e.g. in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, etc.).

Costs of fertility treatment

The first thing you need to know is that fertility treatment is not cheap. Depending on the country, the cost can vary considerably. The method of treatment also has an impact.

Depending on the success rate, you will have to go through more or fewer cycles and, of course, pay for them. For example, a 15 per cent success rate for insemination would mean six to seven cycles. Also consider the cost of travel.

Depending on where you live, there are different sources of help to pay for fertility treatment. Health insurance may not always cover the costs, but you may be able to deduct them from your tax return.