What is the ROPA Method and How Does It Allow Two Women to Share Motherhood?

What Does ROPA Mean?

ROPA stands for “Reception of Oocytes from the Partner,” and it is an in vitro fertilization (IVF) technique specifically designed for both women in a couple to share the process of building a family. One woman provides the egg (genetic contribution), while the other carries the pregnancy. In this way, both actively and complementarily participate in the creation of their child.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

The procedure follows the same principles as traditional IVF, but with a shared dynamic:

• The woman providing the eggs undergoes ovarian stimulation to retrieve mature oocytes.

• These oocytes are fertilized in the laboratory with previously selected donor sperm.

• Once embryos are formed, they are transferred to the uterus of the partner who will carry the pregnancy.

• In some cases, the embryos may be genetically tested before transfer, especially if requested by the couple.

Why Choose the ROPA Method?

The ROPA method is an ideal option for female couples who wish to experience motherhood together. Many find this treatment to be a powerful emotional way to strengthen their bond, as they share the reproductive journey from the beginning.

It also offers medical advantages, allowing the couple to choose which of the two has better conditions for each stage of the process: egg retrieval and pregnancy.

Necessary Evaluations Before Treatment

To undergo this treatment, both women must complete a thorough evaluation:

• Egg provider: hormonal tests, transvaginal ultrasound, infectious disease screening, and ovarian reserve assessment.

• Gestational partner: tests to evaluate uterine health, overall medical condition, and endometrial readiness.

All of this is done during the preliminary phase to ensure a safe and successful treatment.

Donor Sperm Selection

The sperm used comes from an authorized and certified donor bank. Patients can review clinical and physical profiles to select a donor they feel comfortable with.

In Mexico, as in many countries, donors are anonymous. However, there is a strict selection process that ensures their health and genetic quality.

An Inclusive and Specialized Space

At Baja Fertility, we support our patients every step of the way—from the initial evaluation to pregnancy follow-up. Our clinic is an inclusive and professional environment, committed to providing specialized care to all family structures, including same-sex couples, single women, and trans individuals.

We believe that the right to build a family should be rooted in desire, love, and respect—not in prejudice or limitations.

The ROPA method is not only technically effective—it also represents progress in the social and medical recognition of diverse families. Witnessing a couple go through the journey to motherhood together—sharing bodies, emotions, and decisions—is one of the most powerful examples of how medicine can ethically and compassionately support diversity.

Ready to Share Motherhood?

If you and your partner are considering starting a family and want to explore the ROPA method, our team is here to guide you with warmth, professionalism, and complete respect.

REFERENCES

1. ASRM Ethics Committee. Access to fertility treatment by same-sex couples, single women, and unmarried couples. Fertil Steril. 2021;116(4):848–856.
2. ESHRE Task Force on Ethics and Law. Oocyte donation and shared motherhood in lesbian couples. Hum Reprod. 2020;35(10):2197–2204.
3. Guía Clínica de la AMMR sobre técnicas de reproducción asistida en parejas del mismo sexo.
4. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 923: Preconception Care for Lesbian Women and Same-Gender Couples. Obstet Gynecol. 2023;141(1):e24–e30.