Can Two Females Have a Baby Without Sperm?

No, two females cannot have a baby without sperm. Human reproduction requires the combination of an egg and a sperm cell to create an embryo. This is a fundamental biological process.

Human reproduction relies on sexual reproduction, which necessitates the fertilization of an egg by a sperm. The egg, containing the mother's genetic material, is fertilized by the sperm, carrying the father's genetic material. This union creates a zygote, the first cell of a new human being. Without this combination, an embryo cannot form.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

While two cisgender women cannot conceive naturally without sperm, they can utilize assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to build a family. These methods involve the use of donor sperm:

• Reciprocal IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): One woman provides the eggs, which are fertilized with donor sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then implanted into the other woman's uterus, who carries the pregnancy. In this scenario, the child is genetically related to the egg provider and the sperm donor, but not the carrying mother.
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Donor sperm is directly introduced into the uterus of the woman who will carry the pregnancy. This method is less complex than IVF but has lower success rates.
• Adoption: This is a non-biological option whereby a couple formally adopts a child.

Several online sources confirm this information:

• Healthline: Explicitly states that two cisgender women cannot become pregnant without assisted reproductive technology. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/can-a-girl-get-pregnant-by-another-girl
• NPR: Discusses parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction found in some species, but explicitly highlights that it is not applicable to humans. https://www.npr.org/2021/12/01/1060612410/no-sperm-no-problem
• Various Fertility Clinics: Websites from reputable fertility clinics detail the methods same-sex female couples use to conceive, all of which involve the use of donor sperm. (Examples include links provided in the reference section from CCRM Fertility and Reproductive Science Center NJ).

In conclusion, while advancements in reproductive technology provide options for same-sex female couples to have children, it’s crucial to understand that sperm is necessary for the initial creation of a human embryo.