In this article, we're going to talk more about what the path to pregnancy can look like for LGBTQ people.

Many people have a desire to become a parent, but the path to becoming a parent can be different, especially for LGBTQ people. Family formation can look different, do I want to become a parent alone, together with someone or some and if so, what would it look like? Do I want to get pregnant, do I have the possibility of getting pregnant, would I want a partner or other person to carry the child, are questions you may face. What is the situation regarding parenthood and how many parents do I want for my child?

In Sweden, we have a number of laws, standards and rights that regulate the above, and it is important to read up on the possibilities available in family formation. In practical terms, the care process and queues may differ between regions. Legally, only two people can be the parents of a child, but being a parent can be much more than that.

The person carrying the child automatically becomes the child's guardian, and if you are in a couple, the co-parent only needs to apply to become the child's guardian after the child is born. The rules are the same whether it is a same-sex or heterosexual couple having a child.

Since 2005, Sweden has allowed same-sex female couples to receive assisted reproduction, i.e. via insemination or IVF, with public funding. In 2013, the requirement for sterilization for transgender people was removed, so men born with female genitalia were given the same rights in a couple relationship, and in 2016, single people with female genitalia were also allowed. However, if you want to start a family or get pregnant with the help of assisted reproduction together with one or more people outside a couple relationship, this is currently not allowed in Sweden. If two men want to have a child, surrogacy is not currently permitted in Sweden.

In Sweden, some people also choose to go via private clinics if, for example, the queues are too long in the region for state funding. Government funding only covers a certain number of attempts, so some may try further via private funding.

Laws on assisted reproduction may differ from one country to another. As a result, LGBTQ people may resort to assisted reproduction in other countries, for example. This may be for reasons such as the possibility of anonymous donors, surrogacy or more flexible age limits.

Tips for the road:
- Check what applies in your region based on your circumstances
- If possible, try to plan ahead as the process can take time
- Feel free to share experiences from others who have made the same journey