The desire to bring a child into the world and raise them with love is a natural aspiration for many people. For female couples, the journey to parenthood is characterised by a quest for harmony, with both partners wishing to feel an unbreakable bond with their future child. Modern reproductive medicine offers a technique that enables both women to fulfil their dream of motherhood at the same time. This refers to the mutual IVF method, known as the ROPA method.
What is the ROPA method?
ROPA stands for ‘Reception of Oocytes from Partner’. In medical practice, this procedure is also referred to as mutual IVF or shared motherhood.
The main feature of the method lies in the division of biological functions between the two women.
- The genetic mother provides her eggs. The baby inherits her DNA, physical appearance and genetic traits.
- The gestational mother receives the formed embryo, carries the pregnancy to term and gives birth to the child.
In this way, both women play a physiological role in the creation of new life. One provides the biological material, whilst the other creates the environment for the foetus to grow and develop over the course of nine months.
Stages of the reciprocal IVF procedure
The ROPA process is similar to conventional in vitro fertilisation, but requires the biological cycles of both women to be synchronised.
Initial diagnosis and preparation
Both partners undergo a full medical examination. The doctor assesses the ovarian reserve of the woman who plans to be the genetic mother, as well as the condition of the uterus and the general health of the woman who plans to carry the baby.
Selection of a sperm donor
For fertilisation, the couple selects a sperm donor through a sperm bank. The selection takes into account physical characteristics, blood group and the results of genetic screening.
Stimulation and egg retrieval
The genetic mother undergoes a course of hormonal ovarian stimulation. The doctor then carries out the procedure to retrieve the mature eggs.
Fertilisation and embryo culture
In the laboratory, the retrieved eggs are fertilised with donor sperm. Embryologists monitor the development of the embryos over the course of several days.
Embryo preparation and transfer
The surrogate mother undergoes preparation to ensure optimal endometrial conditions. Once the uterus is ready, a healthy embryo is transferred into her uterus.
Conception and childbirth
Two weeks later, an hCG test is carried out to confirm pregnancy. The gestational mother then undergoes standard antenatal care, gives birth to the baby and breastfeeds the child.
Emotional and psychological value
For the couple, the ROPA method holds deep psychological value for several reasons.
Equal partnership in parenthood. The method eliminates the feeling that one of the women plays a more important role. Each makes a unique contribution to the child’s conception.
Epigenetic connection. The gestational mother has a direct influence on foetal development. Molecules in the amniotic fluid influence which of the child’s genes are activated. The baby develops using the resources of the surrogate mother’s body and, from the very first weeks, hears her voice and heartbeat.
Breastfeeding. The surrogate mother experiences the full range of physical changes, including lactation, which strengthens the emotional bond.
How to choose roles within the couple
The decision as to who will be the genetic mother and who will carry the baby is made in consultation with a doctor. The following factors are taken into account.
Age. Egg quality declines with age, so eggs from the younger partner are more commonly used.
Health status. If one of the women has medical reasons preventing her from carrying the baby, but her ovaries are functioning well, she becomes the genetic mother.
Personal preferences. Some women wish to experience pregnancy and childbirth, whilst others prefer to pass on their genetic material.
Legal considerations
The legal status of the ROPA method varies significantly from country to country. In some countries, the method is officially legalised, and both women are immediately recognised as legal mothers. In countries with different legal frameworks, formalising the rights of both mothers may require adoption or special agreements. Consulting a lawyer helps to take all the details into account before the procedure begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ROPA method safe for women’s health?
Yes, the procedure is based on the standard IVF protocol, which has been in use for decades. The main risks are similar to those of conventional IVF, including a possible reaction to hormonal stimulation. A preliminary medical examination minimises potential risks.
Will the child resemble the gestational mother?
Genetically, the child inherits the DNA of the genetic mother and the sperm donor. However, through epigenetic mechanisms, the gestational mother has a direct influence on how specific genes are expressed during foetal development.
How long does the whole process take, from preparation to embryo transfer?
On average, preparation and the procedure take between two and four months. The exact timeframe depends on the partners’ individual menstrual cycles and the necessary synchronisation.
Is it possible to swap roles when having a second child?
Yes, many couples choose this approach when having a second child. In this case, the second partner becomes the genetic mother, whilst the first carries the pregnancy to term.