ROPA Method

Modern reproductive medicine offers a variety of options for female couples, with the ROPA method standing out as a particularly meaningful choice. At the NatuVitro clinic, this technique allows one partner to provide the egg used to create an embryo, while the other carries the pregnancy. ROPA (Reception of Oocytes from Partner) enables both women to fully engage in the family-building process, creating a shared journey that is both emotional and biological.

How is IVF with Double Donation Different from the ROPA Method?

While both IVF with double donation and the ROPA method are forms of assisted reproductive technology, they differ significantly in genetic and emotional involvement. IVF with double donation uses both donor sperm and donor eggs, meaning neither partner shares a biological connection with the child. In contrast, ROPA gives both women an active role: one contributes the eggs, and the other carries the pregnancy. This unique dynamic offers couples a deeply shared and emotionally resonant experience, strengthening their bond through parenthood.

The Key Steps of the ROPA Process

The process begins with medical assessments for both partners to determine fertility potential. Based on these results, fertility specialists create a personalized treatment plan. The egg donor partner undergoes hormonal stimulation to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved under sedation in a minor surgical procedure.

The retrieved eggs are fertilized in the lab using donor sperm. Once the healthiest embryo is selected, it is transferred into the uterus of the partner who will carry the pregnancy. Prior to transfer, hormonal treatments are used to prepare the uterine lining for optimal implantation conditions.

Legal Considerations for ROPA in Europe

The legal status of the ROPA method varies across Europe and is restricted in several countries. For example, despite the 2021 expansion of fertility rights for single women and same-sex couples in France, ROPA is not permitted under French law. The French Biomedicine Agency classifies the egg from one partner as a donation, which conflicts with national rules requiring donor anonymity and limited egg use per treatment cycle.

Still, interest in ROPA remains strong. A recent NatuVitro survey found that around 50% of lesbian women hoping to become mothers are aware of ROPA, and an estimated 76% are considering it as a pathway to parenthood.

ROPA vs. IVF with Double Donation: Key Differences

These two methods have fundamental differences. Double-donor IVF involves eggs and sperm from anonymous donors, eliminating any genetic link between the child and the intended parents. The ROPA method, however, fosters a combination of biological and emotional connection—one partner provides the genetic material while the other nurtures the pregnancy. This shared participation underlines a strong foundation for family-building and deepens mutual involvement in the process.

What the Future Holds for Female Couples

For female couples considering ROPA but facing legal roadblocks in their home country, NatuVitro’s fertility experts can help explore alternative pathways. Reach out today to learn more about your fertility options and take your first step toward motherhood. Your journey begins here, and we are ready to walk it with you.