Before you start your journey it is worth taking time to acknowledge that, for many lesbians the road to conception can be long and difficult. You can reduce your disappointment and frustration by being realistic about the length of time that it will take and the kind of difficulties you may face along the way. Prospective lesbian parent groups and other lesbian parents can help you paint a realistic picture of what is to come.
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You can make a baby in the privacy of your own home or you can access a fertility clinic. Both situations have advantages and disadvantages but the decision to choose one over the other will be influenced by personal choice, availability and the law. In the state of Victoria, fertility clinics have traditionally been difficult for single women and lesbians to access. At the time of writing this remains the case. Only 'medically infertile' women, as defined earlier, can access these services in Victoria.
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You can use the sperm of a friend or an acquaintance or you can use anonymous sperm. If you travel to an interstate clinic it is usual to be inseminated with anonymous donor sperm. Sometimes though, either because of specific state laws, or because the donor has volunteered, the donor's details are kept on a register for later access by parents and children (when the child is aged 18 years).
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In Victoria for example, a person cannot donate sperm without registering their details with the Infertility Treatment Authority (the ITA). As well, a donor can register his details on a voluntary register maintained by the ITA, which will allow the family to access his details at any time.
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Unfortunately all reproductive clinical services can be quite expensive and so preclude those women who are unable to afford them.
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Contacts and resources
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Prospective Lesbian Parents
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6 Claremont Street,
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South Yarra, Victoria 3141
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Email: plpvic@gmail.com
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Web: www.vicnet.net.au/~plpvic
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This group holds regular meeting, check website for details.
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Maybe Baby Melbourne
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Email: maybebabymelbourne@yahoo.com.au or leave message on (03) 9513 9061
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Website: www.maybebaby.org.au
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Maybe Baby Melbourne is a group for prospective gay and lesbian parents. Get together for a meal/drinks with other lesbians and gay men contemplating parenthood.
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Disclaimer
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The Royal Women’s Hospital does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided in this booklet or incorporated into it by reference.
We provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy.
Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner.
If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.
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Published 2003, last updated May 2008
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