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CopapingIn recent years, Spain has seen a large increase in the number of LGTBI families thanks to the legalisation of same-sex marriage and its concurrent social acceptance. As a consequence, there has also been an increase in the use of assisted reproduction techniques such as artificial insemination or the ROPA method (reception of oocytes from the partner), among others. These techniques can also be used by two adults who want to have children without being a couple through co-parenting. This is what Copaping specialises in, an online community that allows you to find co-parents, with a focus on respect for diversity and responsible parenthood.
Why is there an increase in LGTBI families?
Although these families have long been discriminated against in terms of social protection and rights, since 2005 people from the LGTBI community in Spain have been able to marry and have children. In fact, a new family diversity law, expected to come into force in 2022, will specifically protect LGTBI families as well as single-parent families. The acceptance of LGTBI people, coupled with new generations growing up against this background, is levelling the score in terms of people who want to be parents regardless of their sexual orientation. A 2018 study by the US organisation Family Equality Council shows that while 40% of heterosexual millennials want to be parents (or have already been parents), 32% of LGTBI millennials are in the same situation. If same-sex parenthood used to be the exception, it is now becoming the norm.
What methods or techniques are available to grow LGTBI families?
Some of the most commonly-used assisted reproduction techniques to grow LGTBI families are the ROPA method, artificial or home insemination, surrogacy, adoption or fostering. Many of these options involve very high costs due to the complexities of the process. From in-vitro fertilisation to surrogacy and international adoption, all of these will involve sums of between five, and even six, figures in some cases.
The option on everyone's lips is co-parenting. In co-parenting, two adults meet exclusively to fulfil their goal of conceiving and raising a child, through a mutually agreed method of assisted reproduction. Two effective alternatives to co-parenting are the Co-ParentMatch platform, the oldest but only available in English, and the emerging Spanish-based platform Copaping. On these platforms users can become co-parents, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender or relationship status.
With the new family diversity law providing protection for families regardless of marital status, sexual orientation or affiliation, many people have opted for co-parenting to have children. The Copaping platform opens the door for anyone who is interested in this route.
About Copaping
Copaping was created from the wish to host a Community for people who want to start a co-parenting project. A safe space where current and future co-parents can communicate and live their experience with authenticity and responsibility, in a respectful and empathetic environment. Every day dozens of conversations begin in Copaping between co-mothers, co-fathers and co-parents who share the desire to start a family.