Inside the ROPA Method
Today’s advancements in reproductive medicine provide female couples with inclusive and empowering options to start their family. Among these, the ROPA method (Reception of Oocytes from Partner) stands out as a deeply personal and emotionally meaningful choice. At NatuVitro, this technique allows one woman to donate her eggs while the other carries the pregnancy, enabling both partners to play vital roles in the journey to parenthood—one biologically, the other physically and emotionally.
How Does IVF with Double Donation Compare to the ROPA Method ?
IVF with double donation and the ROPA method are both forms of assisted reproductive technology, but they differ significantly when it comes to parental involvement and biological connection. In double donation IVF, both the eggs and sperm are provided by anonymous donors. This means there is no genetic contribution from either partner. The ROPA method, on the other hand, facilitates a shared biological and emotional experience: one partner provides the eggs, while the other carries and nurtures the pregnancy. This shared participation creates a uniquely connected pathway to parenthood.
Understanding the ROPA Process : Step by Step
The ROPA journey begins with a comprehensive medical evaluation of both partners to assess their fertility health. Based on these assessments, a personalized treatment plan is developed by fertility specialists to meet the couple’s unique needs.
The partner who donates the eggs then undergoes ovarian stimulation through hormone therapy, encouraging the maturation of multiple eggs. These eggs are collected through a minor, outpatient procedure performed under sedation.
Next, the retrieved eggs are fertilized in the laboratory using donor sperm. From the resulting embryos, specialists select the healthiest one to transfer into the uterus of the partner who will carry the pregnancy. Hormonal treatments are used beforehand to prepare her uterine lining for successful implantation and embryo development.
Legal Landscape of ROPA in Europe
While the ROPA method is embraced in several European countries, it remains legally restricted in others. For example, in France, even after the 2021 reform granting fertility access to single women and lesbian couples, the ROPA method remains prohibited. This is because French law classifies egg sharing between partners as a donation, which must remain anonymous under national bioethics regulations. Additionally, donor eggs can only be used in specific circumstances defined by law.
Despite these constraints, interest in the ROPA method is growing. According to a recent survey by NatuVitro, about 50% of lesbian women hoping to become parents are aware of ROPA, and approximately 76% are actively considering it as a family-building option.
ROPA vs Double Donation: A Closer Look at Key Differences
At the heart of the distinction between these two techniques is the level of emotional and genetic involvement. IVF with double donation involves no biological link between the child and the intended parents, as both gametes come from anonymous donors. In contrast, the ROPA method fosters a powerful sense of unity through shared responsibility—one partner contributes the egg, and the other experiences pregnancy. This balance of roles enhances emotional connectedness and lays a strong foundation for collaborative parenting.
What Lies Ahead for Female Couples Seeking Parenthood
If legal restrictions prevent access to the ROPA method in your home country, NatuVitro’s expert fertility team is here to guide you through alternative supportive options. Our clinic offers international care solutions specifically tailored for female couples ready to start their journey toward motherhood. Reach out to us today to take your first step. Your dream family is closer than you think—and we’re here to help you build it, every step of the way.
Meta Title: The ROPA Method: A Shared Journey to Motherhood for Female Couples
Meta Description: Discover how the ROPA method empowers female couples through shared biological and emotional roles in IVF. Learn how it compares to double donation and explore its legal standing in Europe.