It was a groundbreaking moment in reproductive history as a lesbian couple became Europe’s first and the world’s second to both carry their baby, welcoming little Derek Eloy into the world.
Arrival of Derek Eloy
Weighing a healthy 7 lb 4 oz, Derek Eloy marks a historic arrival, challenging traditional norms of conception and childbirth.
Estefanía and Azahara’s Journey
In March, Estefanía, 30, and Azahara, 27, initiated their extraordinary journey at a fertility clinic, embarking on a path that would redefine shared parenthood.
A Pioneering Treatment
Derek’s birth owes its uniqueness to the innovative fertility treatment called INVOcell, providing a groundbreaking method for both same-sex partners to actively participate in the conception process.
The Intriguing Procedure
A specialized capsule containing eggs and sperm was initially placed into Estefanía’s vagina, a key step in enabling the natural fertilization process over five days.
Examining and Selecting Embryos
Following the removal of the device, embryos were meticulously examined and selected, ensuring the highest chances of a successful pregnancy.
Azahara’s Vital Role
The selected embryos found a nurturing environment in Azahara’s uterus, where they underwent further development, ultimately leading to the birth of baby Derek.
A Nine-Month Journey
Azahara carried Derek for the entire gestation period, experiencing the joys and challenges of pregnancy before the joyful culmination on October 30th in Palma, Majorca.
The INVOcell Advantage
Derek’s birth highlighted the success of the INVOcell technology, revolutionizing assisted reproductive techniques and offering a unique shared experience for both partners.
Cost of Innovation
The pioneering journey came with a price, as the couple invested over £4,400 (€5,000) in the INVOcell treatment, including necessary medications.
Medical Breakthrough
A medical team member responsible for Derek’s birth revealed the significance of the process, “The novelty in this process is that both could carry the embryo and share it for as long as needed.”
Estefanía’s Perspective
Estefanía shared her excitement with local media, expressing the joy of actively participating in the conception process, “It was a way for both of us to be able to carry him,” she began.
A New Excitement for LGBTQ Parents
“The idea that I could participate in this way and carry him in my womb was much more exciting,” Estefania continued.
Emotional Fulfillment
The idea that both Estefanía and Azahara could contribute to Derek’s gestation created an emotional bond, making the entire experience more fulfilling for the couple.
INVOcell’s European Debut
Derek’s birth marks the first instance of a European baby conceived through the INVOcell technology, showcasing the treatment’s success.
A Significant Leap
Derek’s birth follows in the footsteps of the only other recorded instance of INVOcell use, which occurred in 2018 when Texan couple Bliss and Ashleigh Coulter welcomed their son, Stetson.
A New Chapter
As Europe celebrates the arrival of Derek Eloy, the world witnesses a transformative chapter in assisted reproduction, offering hope and inspiration to same-sex couples across the globe.
The post Groundbreaking Achievement as Both Partners in LGBTQ+ Couple Carry Their Newborn Baby first appeared on Pulse of Pride.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / VGstockstudio. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
