Becoming a single parent by choice is a uniquely exciting path and highly intentional decision.
By Natalist’s Chief Executive Officer Halle Tecco, MBA, MPH
Becoming a parent is one of the greatest joys — and biggest challenges in life. Becoming a single parent by choice is a uniquely exciting path and highly intentional decision. Every child comes from an egg and sperm, so the first step is to decide where your future child will get their genetic material.
Single motherhood by choice and not chance
Single motherhood by choice is on the rise, especially for women over 35. Instead of waiting for a partner, more women are deciding to take things into their own hands and pursue motherhood.
What about the children? A 2016 study of over 100 families found that solo motherhood, in itself, does not result in psychological problems for children. In fact, the study found no differences in parenting quality between families with one mother versus two-parent families, apart from less conflict in solo mother families.
For intended single mothers, it’s possible to get pregnant with a sperm donor and IVF, IUI, or at-home insemination. The good news is that sperm is affordable compared to eggs! An anonymous sperm donation (by the vial) and storage ranges from $400 to $1,000. IUI (estimated costs range from $500-$2,500) is when sperm is placed in a woman’s uterus close to the fallopian tubes. IVF (estimated cost can be up to $25,000) is when the egg and sperm are fertilized in the lab, and an embryo is transferred to the uterus.
Want to learn more? Read the full article on Natalist.com
