HIV+ intended parents with ORM will participate in the world-renowned Special Program of Assisted Reproduction (SPAR) of the Bedford Research Foundation.

The SPAR process combines testing for the presence of the HIV virus in a patient’s sperm using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology (considered the most accurate and specific test for HIV), and sperm washing to prepare it for the IVF process.

Pinnacle Fertility physicians believe that SPAR-tested and washed sperm is safer than sperm that has only been washed. This provides greater reassurance for a safe surrogacy and facilitates matching with a potential surrogate. Once an intended parent’s sperm has been prepared by SPAR, it is sent to ORM for use in the IVF and surrogacy process. More information on SPAR can be found at: bedfordspar.org