What family building resources are available for the LGBTQ+ community? | Progyny

Progyny is committed to supporting all paths to parenthood with our comprehensive, cycle-based plan design. That includes resources and education tailored to the unique family-building needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

Below, explore the tools, data, and educational resources available to both employees and benefits leaders who want to make inclusive family building support a reality.

Why inclusive family building benefits matter

Creating an inclusive benefits program isn’t just good for equity—it’s a strategic advantage for recruitment and retention.

Key insights:

• LGBTQ+ employees value fertility coverage. In a recent survey, 79% said they would consider leaving their current job for one that offers these benefits, and 81% said they’d work a second job just to access fertility coverage.
• Coverage disparities persist. Two-thirds of respondents said their employer’s plan required a medical infertility diagnosis before coverage—a criterion that often excludes LGBTQ+ individuals and single parents by choice, essentially blocking them from accessing necessary benefits.
• Inclusive benefits drive engagement and loyalty. Employers who proactively remove these barriers are better positioned to attract and retain top talent.

How Progyny supports inclusive family building

For nearly a decade, Progyny has partnered with employers and benefits leaders to design cycle-based, inclusive benefits that support all paths to parenthood—including surrogacy, reciprocal IVF, fertility preservation, and adoption.

Our Smart Cycle benefit design allows patients and providers to make informed decisions based on individual needs. This approach leads to:

• More equitable coverage
• Better clinical outcomes
• Stronger overall employee satisfaction

Progyny also works with a network of fertility clinics and doctors experienced in providing LGBTQ+ affirming care, to help ensure that every family building journey receives specialized, compassionate support.

Educational resources for benefits leaders

Progyny helps benefit leaders understand the impact employers and inclusive plan design can have on the family building journeys of LGTBQ+ employees:

• The Progyny podcast, “This Is Infertility,” uses narrative storytelling to offer a new perspective. Episode 8 features Lindsey and Chrissy Callahan, a couple whose employer-sponsored Progyny benefit made their dream of having a child possible.
• Amanda Lesesne, Progyny’s VP of sales and infertility advocate, explains how plan designs can unintentionally exclude LGBTQ+ and single parents.
• Open Finance Forum NYC on-demand sessions discuss the future of family-building for the LGBTQ+ community, covering the political landscape, employee experience, and inclusive benefit strategies.

Key research on LGBTQ+ family building needs

Progyny’s LGBTQ+ Fertility and Family Building Survey shows significant gaps in access for LGBTQ+ families and highlights the importance of inclusive benefit access:

• 68% of respondents with a fertility benefit are still “locked out” of access because a diagnosis of infertility is required (this diagnosis often requires heterosexual intercourse).
• Over half of respondents are actively trying to grow their families.
• 61% rely on personal savings to fund their journeys, 33% borrow from friends or family, 27% take out loans, and 11% are applying for grants.
• 62% see fertility coverage at work as a priority, 79% would consider switching jobs for access to fertility benefits, and 81% said they would take on a second job to get fertility coverage.

Building a more inclusive future together

Progyny doesn’t just talk about inclusion, we design it into every part of our benefit model. Our comprehensive, cycle-based plans and affirming provider network empower employers to offer true equity in family-building support.