Detailed Guide: Taiwanese YouTubers Rabbit & Wolf's Journey to Have a Child via Sperm Donation in the USA
Popular YouTubers Rabbit & Wolf, became a legally married couple after Taiwan passed the same-sex marriage law on May 24, 2019. However, due to Taiwan's restrictive laws on assisted reproductive technology, they were unable to undergo IVF treatment in Taiwan and had to turn to the USA for reproductive assistance. With the help of the RSMC Fertility Center in the USA, they successfully froze their eggs in 2021, completed their first embryo transfer in 2022, and on August 2, 2023, welcomed their adorable IVF baby, named "Gongxi," into the world!
Sharing the Experience of Their First Child: From Egg Freezing in Taiwan to Embryo Transfer in the USA
In 2021, Rabbit & Wolf first froze their eggs in Taiwan and then transported them to the RSMC Fertility Center in the USA. During their treatment in the USA, they went through the processes of egg retrieval, sperm selection, and fertilization. After their first successful experience, they made adjustments for their second journey to the USA for having another child and suggested others consider a similar approach.
Rabbit & Wolf emphasized the importance of careful planning and arrangements during treatment in the USA. They recommended that families planning to travel to the USA for treatment should arrive two weeks early. This not only reduces stress after the embryo transfer but also allows them to enjoy some travel time. The entire treatment process takes about a month, including injections and medication, but there’s no conflict between the treatment schedule and sightseeing. Since treatment continues after the transfer to ensure pregnancy success, arriving early for travel means they won’t have to worry about missing out on fun activities after becoming pregnant. They also advised that physical and mental preparation is crucial before and after treatment, noting that hormonal changes in early pregnancy might affect emotions, such as morning sickness. Therefore, it’s essential to schedule enough rest time and stay relaxed.
Furthur Reading: Congratulations to Taiwanese Lesbian couple YouTuber on the successful completion of their US IVF journey!
Legal Changes in Taiwan and Future Hope: Adoption and Surrogacy
Currently, Taiwan's assisted reproductive laws only allow heterosexual married couples to undergo IVF treatment. However, as society progresses, these regulations are gradually being adjusted. Rabbit & Wolf pointed out that even if Taiwan’s laws become more lenient in the future, they would still choose to undergo treatment at the RSMC Fertility Center in the USA, due to the advanced technology and lack of long waiting times. Taiwan is currently discussing amendments to its assisted reproductive laws to allow single women and LGBTQ+ families to access IVF treatment in Taiwan. Additionally, the topic of surrogacy is being gradually discussed, with the hope of ensuring more families' reproductive rights. However, as of now, single women and same-sex female couples in Taiwan can only pursue surrogacy if both partners lack a uterus or have congenital uterine abnormalities.
For those considering adoption, Rabbit & Wolf noted that the requirements and review process are very stringent and can take a long time. Although the laws are constantly evolving, their plan was already underway when the law was legalized in May 2023. By then, they were already pregnant with Gongxi, who was born three months later. Even though Gongxi is biologically related to Rabbit, Wolf, as the spouse, had to go through a four-month stepparent adoption process. They also mentioned that other parents have taken up to a year to successfully complete the process. With leftover embryos stored at the RSMC Fertility Center after their first successful pregnancy, they decided to return to RSMC for another IVF treatment using sperm donation. Furthermore, they highlighted the laws and conditions surrounding surrogacy, noting that single women with a uterus cannot apply for surrogacy in Taiwan but can still carry a pregnancy themselves.
Legal Barriers for Same-Sex Couples to Have Children in Singapore
In Singapore, same-sex couples are not legally permitted to have children together or use methods like surrogacy to start a family. Singapore does not recognize same-sex marriages, which means same-sex couples cannot legally raise children together through marriage. Additionally, adoption laws restrict same-sex couples, typically allowing only single individuals or opposite-sex married couples to adopt. Assisted reproductive technologies such as surrogacy and IVF are primarily available to opposite-sex married couples, making it difficult for same-sex couples to have children through these means.
Overall, same-sex couples in Singapore face significant legal and social barriers that prevent them from having or raising children together within the current legal framework. Those who wish to have children may need to consider countries or regions where same-sex parenting is legally recognized,like Rabbit & Wolf who are considered to go through IVF with donor sperm with RSMC .
Furthur Reading : Surrogacy & Surrogate Mother in Singapore (2024): Law and Medicine
Psychological and Physical Adjustment During Treatment
Rabbit & Wolf emphasized the importance of both psychological and physical adjustments after the embryo transfer. They advised arranging enough rest time before and after the treatment to cope with potential hormonal fluctuations and physical discomfort during early pregnancy. They also mentioned that confirming pregnancy typically takes 10-14 days after the transfer, and during this waiting period, it is essential to be mentally prepared for the body's responses. They encouraged people not to worry about how hormonal changes might affect their mood during the trip and suggested planning the treatment and travel schedule in advance.
To fully prepare for the treatment, Rabbit even resigned from her job, allowing them to focus entirely on treatment and rest. They suggested coordinating with the hospital in advance to schedule the treatment during holiday periods, reducing the need for taking leave from work and allowing for a combination of treatment and travel. They also mentioned that if a long stay in the USA is not feasible, it is possible to discuss with the doctor whether initial medications and check-ups can be completed in Taiwan, thereby reducing the time needed in the USA.
For those unable to stay in the USA for an extended period, RSMC offers flexible treatment options. You can choose to complete the initial medication and check-ups in Taiwan, reducing the stay in the USA to just 2-3 weeks. If opting for surrogacy, you only need to travel to the USA to pick up the baby after birth. If traveling is not possible, RSMC can also assist in sending the baby to Taiwan or other regions.
Chasing Dreams, Building Families
We extend our gratitude to Rabbit & Wolf for generously sharing their fertility journey. From egg freezing to selecting a sperm donor and then to the embryo transfer, their story brings hope and courage to many same-sex couples. If you are ready to start your journey, please contact the RSMC Fertility Center in the USA. With over 30 years of professional experience, we are here to help you achieve your family dreams.
The USA leads the world in IVF technology and pregnancy success rates, and California, where RSMC is located, is the most progressive state in terms of fertility policies. Whether you are single or a same-sex couple looking for sperm donation and IVF, you will find advanced IVF technology and comprehensive legal protections for parental rights. RSMC also boasts Southern California's largest CPA-certified laboratory, giving us confidence in producing the best embryos and helping you achieve pregnancy or having a baby through surrogacy with over 30 years of clinical experience.
Contact us to schedule a free virtual consultation with the USA Director or a face-to-face consultation in Asia in September. Dr. Harari, RSMC’s Director with 30 years of clinical experience, will provide comprehensive fertility advice. Please reach out via Line / WeChat: rsmctw, or WhatsApp: +1 858-342-6046.
Furthur Reading:
RSMC Reproductive Medical Specialist
Dr. Minh N. Ho | Medical Director, Reproductive Endocrinologist
RSMC Reproductive Endocrinology and Obstetrician-Gynecologist, the attending physician responsible for Rabbit & Wolf ‘s treatment. The first Asian-American IVF specialist certified by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Highly esteemed in the field of infertility treatment for aging women in Asia, serving as the chief fertility specialist designated by many dignitaries. Honored as a top gynecologist in the United States, a leading physician in San Diego, a top reproductive specialist in the world according to U.S. News & World Report, and recommended by the American Health Ratings.
About Dr.Ho