Advocate in Chief


This News Digest Story is paid featured content.
 
 

For black-belt fertility specialist, Dr. Allison Bloom, every path to parenthood is honored.

By Jennifer Jay Palumbo

When Dr. Allison Bloom began medical school, she quickly realized that being openly LGBTQ+ meant having to advocate—not just for herself but for her future patients. “There were physicians who didn’t know how to provide inclusive care,” she says. “It was clear to me early on that we needed to change that.”

Today, as the LGBTQ+ Ambassador for The Prelude Network (a division of Inception Fertility) and a fertility specialist at Main Line Fertility, Dr. Bloom is doing just that. A passionate provider and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, she blends clinical excellence with lived experience—guiding patients through every twist, turn, and triumph of third-party care.

From OB-GYN to Advocate-In-Chief

Dr. Bloom’s path to reproductive medicine began with her own story. “As I began to practice as an OB-GYN, I saw more and more LGBTQ+ folks who wanted to start families,” she explains. “It was becoming more accepted, and I wanted to be the doctor who supported that journey.”

After going through her own fertility experience with her partner—including selecting a donor, undergoing IUI and IVF, and navigating the complexities of third-party reproduction—Dr. Bloom saw a unique opportunity. “I could offer not just medical guidance, but real understanding,” she says. “I share my story with patients so they know they’re not alone.”

 
 

"Every single day, someone has a special moment. And I get to be part of that."


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Affirmation in Every Interaction

When same-sex couples walk into Dr. Bloom’s office, she doesn’t want them to feel different—she wants them to feel safe, welcomed, and respected. “What’s special about our practice is that our waiting room is diverse, and no one is treated any differently. Everyone is a patient, and we meet them where they are.”

This philosophy extends to every part of the care experience. From using inclusive language on intake forms to honoring patients’ pronouns in clinical settings, Bloom and her team are intentional about ensuring that LGBTQ+ patients feel represented and respected. “It’s not just about the doctor. It’s about the whole team—from our front desk staff who greets patients to our medical team that supports our patients through every step of their care. Everyone is trained to make sure patients feel affirmed.”

A Personal Approach to Third-Party Care

Third-party reproduction can be overwhelming for any patient—but for LGBTQ+ couples, there are often even more decisions to navigate. “From selecting a donor to coordinating with a surrogacy agency and legal counsel, there are additional layers,” Bloom says. “But patients don’t have to do it alone.”

Dr. Bloom and her clinic have a dedicated third-party reproduction team to support patients every step of the way. “We walk them through everything and help them understand all their options so they can make informed decisions. And we give them time to think about what feels right.”

She emphasizes that each path is deeply personal. “Some couples might choose IUI, some reciprocal IVF, others may need both. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer,” she explains. “My first question is always: what do you see your family looking like? Then we figure out the path together.”

 
 

Education as Empowerment

For Dr. Bloom, the key to helping patients feel in control is education. “We spend a lot of time upfront helping patients understand their physiology, test results, treatment options, and most importantly, what to expect.”

She recognizes that same-sex couples can feel the same stress and frustration as heterosexual couples—especially when things don’t go as planned. “Not everyone gets pregnant on the first try. That’s not a failure—it’s biology,” she says. “Setting that expectation helps. It gives people room to breathe.”

Support also comes in the form of resources beyond medicine. “We offer access to mental health providers, support groups, acupuncture, yoga—whatever helps patients cope. Our whole team is here to make people feel like part of our family.”

Leading a National Network of Inclusivity

In her role as LGBTQ+ Ambassador for The Prelude Network, Dr. Bloom works to ensure every LGBTQ+ patient receives affirming, high-quality care—no matter where they are.

“That means making sure intake forms are inclusive, preferred names and pronouns are respected, and staff are trained in trauma-informed and culturally competent care,” she says. “Whether someone walks into a clinic in Philadelphia or Indiana, they should feel equally seen and supported.”

Dr. Bloom is also focused on the small but powerful details—like what patients see when they walk into a clinic. “We look at visuals, language, and representation across platforms. Patients should see themselves reflected everywhere.”


"Not all family building journeys for LGBTQ+ patients are easy—but you are not alone."


A Daily Reminder of Purpose

When asked for one moment that reminds her why she does this work, Dr. Bloom can’t pick just one. “Every single day, someone gets their first positive pregnancy test or sends me a picture of their baby after years of trying. Every single day, there’s joy—and there are tears. And I get to be part of that. It’s an honor.”

Her approach to care is deeply emotional. “It’s hard to turn it off when I go home,” she admits. “I take the highs and the lows with me. But when my kids ask to shoot hoops, I’m there. I try to be fully present with them—and that grounds me.”

The Personal Side of a Powerhouse Provider

Outside of medicine, Dr. Bloom is a sports enthusiast who finds peace playing basketball and catch with her twin boys. “I played every sport growing up. Volleyball, basketball, softball, even got a black belt in karate,” she says. “Now, getting to relive those moments with my kids after school—that’s my version of yoga.”

She’s also quick to remind patients: Be patient and kind to yourself. Fertility journeys are rarely easy, and they aren’t meant to be walked alone. “Find a provider and clinic that makes you feel comfortable and supported,” she says. “You deserve that.”


Grow Your Fertility Program and Support Diverse Family Building
Unlock the Full Potential of Your Clinic - With a Partner Who Helps to Build Inclusive Paths to Parenthood

Clinics across North America are transforming lives by joining MyEggBank — the largest, most inclusive donor egg bank network. Here’s how we help you stand out and scale:

  • Connect with Diverse Donors: Access the most expansive and ethnically inclusive donor database available.

  • Expand Patient Reach: Attract more patients with inclusive options that reflect today’s families.

  • Grow with Confidence: Get the resources, tech, and clinical support of a trusted partner..

Become a Partner TodayWe’ll help you expand access and impact lives.

Grow. Support. Thrive.

 
 

This News Digest Story is paid featured content. The advertiser has had editorial input and control over its creation. However, the views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Inside Reproductive Health. The sponsorship of this content does not imply an endorsement by Inside Reproductive Health.