"I'm part of the LGBT community and don't intend to marry, so I wanted to have a child while I'm still young and healthy," Chi shared, cradling her daughter during a follow-up appointment at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, 3 months after giving birth.
Chi discussed her desire to have a child through IVF with her mother three years ago and received her full support. Dr. Nguyen Le Thuy, from the Fertility Center at Tam Anh General Hospital, who treated Chi directly, admitted that it's rare to see someone in their twenties decide to become a single mother, especially with such strong family support.
Being young, Chi had excellent reproductive health, a normal uterus, clear fallopian tubes, and a high ovarian reserve index (AMH) of 5.75 ng/mL, making egg retrieval for embryo creation straightforward. According to regulations, she needed to find a sperm donor to exchange samples with a certified sperm bank, receiving an anonymous sample in return for IVF.
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A woman receives counseling on single motherhood through assisted reproduction. Photo illustration: *Tam Anh General Hospital* |
For nearly a year, several attempts failed. Chi's relatives declined to donate sperm due to concerns about potential complications, such as genetic implications or future inheritance disputes. A close friend initially agreed but backed out at the last minute. Last year, a friend from the LGBT community stepped forward to help. This person underwent rigorous health screenings, including checks for overall health, reproductive health, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases. Their sperm sample met the required standards and was stored in the hospital's sperm bank, while Chi received a different anonymous sample.
The subsequent IVF process went smoothly. Chi's eggs were retrieved and fertilized, creating 6 high-quality embryos. A day-5 embryo was transferred to her uterus, resulting in a successful pregnancy. The remaining embryos were cryopreserved.
Her daughter was born healthy this summer. "All the gossip is insignificant compared to the joy of raising my child with my love," Chi said, adding that she has continuous support from her family. She also plans to transfer another frozen embryo for a second child within the next two years, fulfilling her wish to "have two children before 35".
According to Dr. Thuy, Chi's young age contributed to the smooth IVF process. "Most women seeking single motherhood through IVF are between 35 and 40, often after years of marital difficulties or losing hope of finding a suitable partner," the doctor explained. She noted that many of these women face diminished ovarian reserves and uterine conditions due to their age, leading to prolonged IVF treatments. Some also struggle with financial pressures, societal stigma, and lack of family support.
Effective 1/10/2025, Decree 207/2025 grants unmarried women the right to utilize assisted reproductive technology with donated sperm or embryos. Donated sperm for reproductive purposes must undergo disease screening, and the donor's identity remains confidential. Each sperm sample is used for only one woman.
Dr. Le Thuy emphasized that single motherhood is not a simple decision and requires thorough preparation, not only in terms of health but also social, legal, and familial aspects. "Young women considering single parenthood need a long-term plan and psychological readiness to be both mother and father," she advised.
Thanh Ba
