Help The Ireys Expand Their Family

Everyone knows that kids are expensive, but for many queer families suffering from infertility and recurrent miscarriage, the cost is astronomically high.

 

Backstory:

 

Lisa and Megan have been actively involved in the process of building their family since early 2019. Unexpectedly, Lisa lost both of their parents in 2019 merely 5 months apart. This was devastating, but despite the losses, Lisa and Megan pressed forward toward realizing their dream. They began trying in late 2019, and on their second try - BAM - A pregnancy! Two lines on the test! This was it - this HAD to be it. After a year of devastating losses, finally, a huge blessing. Sadly, they lost the pregnancy and went through the painful experience of having their hopes crushed and mourning a private loss. They were blessed with using a known donor family using artificial insemination for the first year of this journey, but it was time to switch to a more clinical approach.

 

Megan and Lisa had to spend several thousand dollars to begin the next step. The first insemination occurred last spring and BAM - it worked! A positive test ON MOTHER'S DAY!! How could this not be a sign that the stars were aligned? Again, they lost the pregnancy, and the grief cycle started over. To add insult to injury, this was an incomplete miscarriage that prevented the couple from trying until 6 months later. They were forced to purchase several thousand more dollars of sperm to try again. BAM- TWO PINK LINES! However, shortly after, another devastating phone call from the nurse started with another, "I'm sorry, you are losing the pregnancy." Another incomplete miscarriage puts them on hold for several more months. They know these signs all too well, and the feelings of hopelessness return. The Ireys have had to consider giving up their dream of a family due to financial constraints, even though the medical prognosis is very hopeful.

 

Many people know that infertility is expensive and insurance varies in coverage, but many straight people don't realize that medical and legal fees for queer families can easily exceed infertility. When these two intersectionalities combine, the true cost is two of our favorite people with drained bank accounts and crushed dreams. It also easily exceeds $20,000.

 

Financial Need:

 

Estimated current and past fees related to infertility:

Testing: $3000

Medications & Treatments: $5000

 

Estimated current and past fees relating to creating and protecting our queer family in a heteronormative system:

Sperm - $8000k

Legal Fees - $4000k

 

I know that Megan and Lisa will be wonderful parents; they just need our help to get there. I want them to have the same chance as many heterosexual couples take for granted. Please, if you feel moved and are able to help, consider helping Megan and Lisa find that joy.

 

 

Other ways to support queer families:

 

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