Shared motherhood – also known as reciprocal IVF or intra-partner egg donation – is an increasingly popular option for female same-sex couples. It allows both partners to be meaningfully involved in the process of creating your family: one partner provides the eggs, and the other carries the pregnancy.
Shared motherhood means both partners are actively involved right from conception – making it a truly shared experience.
In shared motherhood, the IVF process is divided between both partners. One partner (the egg provider) undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg collection. Her eggs are fertilised with donor sperm in our laboratory to create embryos. The embryos are then transferred into the other partner’s uterus (the birth mother), where the pregnancy develops.
This means one partner has a genetic connection to the child, and the other has the experience of carrying and giving birth. Both partners are fully involved, and both become the legal parents of any child born as a result, with guidance from the HFEA.
Shared motherhood is available to female same-sex couples where both partners are in good health and have sufficient ovarian reserve for stimulation.
Your initial consultation will include an assessment of both partners to determine who is best suited to which role, considering age, ovarian reserve and any relevant medical history.
Both partners attend an initial consultation together. Your consultant will discuss your wishes, explain the process in full, and arrange baseline assessments for both of you.
Both partners will need certain screening tests. The egg provider will have an ovarian reserve assessment (AMH blood test and antral follicle count). The birth mother will have an assessment of her uterus.
You will work with our team to select donor sperm from an HFEA-licensed sperm bank. We will guide you through the process and discuss the legal aspects of donor conception.
The egg provider follows the same stimulation protocol as a standard IVF cycle, taking hormone injections for around 10–14 days. Egg collection is performed under sedation in our clinic.
Eggs are fertilised with the prepared donor sperm in our laboratory. Embryos develop over five days, monitored in our incubators.
The birth mother takes medication to prepare the lining of the uterus. The best embryo is then transferred in a straightforward, usually painless procedure.
A pregnancy test is taken approximately 12 days after transfer. Your care team will support both of you throughout and afterwards.
Under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, both partners can be recognised as the legal parents of any child born through shared motherhood treatment at a licensed clinic, provided certain consent forms are completed before treatment begins. Our team will walk you through this carefully to ensure everything is in place.
Children born through donor conception have the right to access identifying information about their donor when they turn 18. All donors registered in the UK since 2005 are identifiable. We will explain this fully during your consultation.
Aria was founded by fertility professionals, which means every decision is driven by what is best for patients. You will have a dedicated consultant overseeing your care, supported by our team of highly experienced embryologists and nurses, to ensure you receive personalised, compassionate care.
Our laboratory was one of the first in the UK to use AI-assisted embryo selection, and our single-embryo transfer rate and multiple-pregnancy rate (currently 3.7%) reflect our commitment to safe, evidence-based care. We are regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and publish our results transparently.
Our Marylebone clinic offers a calm, unhurried environment and personalised support from the first appointment to the final outcome.
IVF is a significant financial commitment, and we believe in being transparent about what that means from the outset.
Costs vary depending on your individual treatment plan, the investigations required, and whether additional procedures are recommended. When comparing prices between clinics, it’s worth ensuring you have a full breakdown of all components – consultation fees, monitoring scans, medication, and laboratory costs can vary considerably and are not always included in headline figures.
At Aria, we will discuss the expected costs during your initial consultation and provide you with a fully costed treatment plan before we start, so there are no surprises along the way.
The questions below are intended to give you a clear and honest overview. For advice specific to your situation, we always recommend booking a consultation with one of our team.
What is shared motherhood IVF?
Shared motherhood (also known as reciprocal IVF) is a treatment for female same-sex couples in which one partner provides the eggs and the other carries the pregnancy. One partner has a genetic link to the child, and the other experiences pregnancy and birth. Both can be recognised as legal parents.
Which partner should provide the eggs?
This is often a personal decision, but medical factors such as age and ovarian reserve may guide the recommendation. Generally, younger eggs produce more viable embryos. Your consultant will assess both partners and offer honest guidance.
Do we need to use donor sperm?
Yes. As there is no male partner, donor sperm is required to fertilise the eggs. Aria works with HFEA-licensed sperm banks and will guide you through the selection process.
Can we both be the legal parents?
Yes, provided the correct consent forms are completed at a licensed clinic before treatment begins. Under UK law, both partners in a female same-sex couple can be recognised as the legal parents of a child born through licensed fertility treatment.
What are the success rates for shared motherhood?
Success rates for shared motherhood are broadly similar to standard IVF and depend primarily on the age and egg quality of the egg provider. Your consultant will discuss expected outcomes based on your individual circumstances.
Is shared motherhood available on the NHS?
NHS funding for shared motherhood varies significantly between areas. In many parts of England, female same-sex couples face significant barriers to NHS-funded treatment. We recommend checking your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) eligibility criteria or the PET NHS Fertility Funding Tracker, which lets you check what level of IVF treatment is funded by your Integrated Care Board (ICB). Our team can advise you on your options.
How much does shared motherhood IVF cost at Aria?
Shared motherhood follows the same IVF pricing framework, with additional costs for donor sperm, ICSI and any add-ons. You will receive a full, itemised treatment plan before starting. See ariafertility.co.uk/guide-to-our-pricing for full guidance.
Where is Aria Fertility?
We are located at 8 Welbeck Way, Marylebone, London W1G 9YL – a short walk from Bond Street Underground station. The clinic is deliberately discreet and calm, situated in a quiet mews in the heart of London’s medical district.
When you are ready and the time is right for you, the next step is to contact us, and we will help you arrange a face-to-face, telephone or video-call introduction with one of our consultants.
You can do this by filling in the contact form below or by calling one of our friendly team members on +44 (0) 203 263 6025.
We really look forward to getting to know you and helping guide you toward your next steps toward your dream family.