We’ve Wanted a Baby for So Long: How Jasmine Joyce-Butchers’ Journey Shines a Light on Fertility at Home

Ever felt like the universe is playing hard to get, especially when it comes to starting a family? If you nodded, you’re not alone. Take the story of Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, a rugby star who, alongside her wife Alisha, expressed a heartfelt sentiment in a recent BBC article: “We’ve wanted a baby for so long,” yet the timing — even during a bustling World Cup year — didn’t matter. Read the full inspiring story here.

Now, what if I told you their story isn't just about longing and patience but also about empowerment, choice, and innovative paths to parenthood? That’s exactly where the magic of at-home insemination kits enters our narrative, turning the page on traditional fertility methods and redefining what it means to conceive on your terms.

Why does timing sometimes feel irrelevant when your heart is set?

Jasmine and Alisha’s story highlights a powerful truth: the desire for a baby often eclipses everything else. Whether you're in the heat of a sports season, climbing the career ladder, or simply living your best life, that longing doesn’t pause. It’s a persistent beat, a rhythm in your soul. But here’s the kicker — the path to parenthood doesn’t have to be a labyrinth of expensive clinics and awkward appointments.

Enter: The world of at-home insemination

Imagine a world where you can harness science and comfort simultaneously. At-home insemination kits, like the ones from MakeAMom, offer a game-changing alternative to traditional fertility clinics.

Why are these kits so revolutionary?

  • Tailored Solutions: Whether it’s low motility sperm, frozen samples, or physical sensitivities like vaginismus, MakeAMom has a kit designed specifically for your unique challenges. CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker are not buzzwords — they’re your new best friends.
  • Privacy and Convenience: No nervous waiting rooms or embarrassing conversations. Everything arrives in discreet packaging, and you control the timing from the comfort of your home.
  • Cost-Effective & Reusable: Say goodbye to exorbitant clinic fees. These kits are reusable, saving money while supporting multiple attempts.

But what about success rates? Do these kits really work?

Glad you asked. MakeAMom reports an impressive average success rate of 67% among its users. That’s not just a number — that’s hope, families formed, and dreams realized.

The emotional rollercoaster and community support

Trying to conceive can feel like an emotional marathon. The highs, the lows, the waiting... it all takes a toll. Stories like Jasmine and Alisha’s remind us that hope and determination are powerful companions. Plus, knowing you have options like at-home insemination can ease anxiety and build confidence.

How can you get started?

If Jasmine’s story resonates with you, maybe it’s time to consider how you can take control of your fertility journey. Here’s a simple checklist to get you going:

  • Research your options: Understand which insemination kit matches your needs.
  • Consult your healthcare provider: Even at-home methods work best with medical guidance.
  • Find a supportive community: Whether online forums or local groups, you’re not alone.

Feeling inspired yet? The landscape of fertility is changing, and stories like Jasmine and Alisha’s light the way forward. Whether you’re a hopeful parent navigating complexities or just curious about modern fertility tech, there’s a universe of possibilities waiting.

If you want to delve deeper into tailored, at-home insemination solutions that folks like Jasmine might have found empowering, you can explore the MakeAMom system — discreet, science-backed, and designed with your unique journey in mind.

To wrap it up

Wanting a child “for so long” is a sentiment many share, but the good news is that how we try and what tools we use keeps evolving. From rugby pitches to living rooms, dreams of parenthood are finding new, beautiful ways to come true. So, what’s your next step? Do you dare to take control of your fertility journey and write your own success story?

Drop your thoughts below — let’s talk about the future of family building!

Why 3-Person Embryos Could Change Fertility Science But Leave LGBTQ+ Families Behind

Imagine a world where science could rewrite the story of human reproduction—not just for a biological twist but for a whole new level of fertility treatment. Recently, the concept of '3-person embryos' has been making headlines as a scientific breakthrough designed to help families overcome mitochondrial diseases. But here’s the twist: while this innovation sounds like a game-changer, it’s not the answer many LGBTQ+ families are hoping for. Why is that, and what does it mean for the future of family building?

If you’re curious about cutting-edge fertility science and how it intersects with real-world family needs, this post is your go-to guide.

What Are 3-Person Embryos, Anyway?

A 3-person embryo is an embryo created using DNA from three people: two parents and a mitochondrial donor. The goal? To replace faulty mitochondrial DNA that causes serious diseases, by using healthy mitochondria from a donor egg. It’s a remarkable feat that could prevent genetic illness from passing down generations.

But does this mean three parents? Not quite. According to a recent article on The Conversation, the donor’s DNA is limited to mitochondrial material, which doesn’t influence individual traits or identity the way nuclear DNA does. Importantly, this innovation does not create a third 'parent' in the traditional sense.

The LGBTQ+ Family Gap in 3-Person Embryo Technology

Here’s where it gets complex. While this technology offers hope to families dealing with mitochondrial diseases, it unfortunately isn’t designed to help most LGBTQ+ couples who want to conceive. Why?

For many LGBTQ+ families, conception involves combining genetic material from two individuals, often through sperm and egg donation, surrogacy, or adoption. The mitochondrial replacement technique specifically targets mitochondrial disease prevention — which is a very different challenge than overcoming issues related to sperm motility, egg quality, or uterine factors.

Moreover, the process relies on having viable eggs and embryos in clinical settings, which may not be accessible or suitable for all. So, while 3-person embryos represent a fascinating scientific breakthrough, they don’t address the broader, everyday barriers LGBTQ+ individuals face when starting families.

So, What Are LGBTQ+ Families Using Instead?

Fortunately, advances in assisted reproductive technologies and at-home options are helping fill this gap. For instance, products like home insemination kits have surged as an empowering and discreet option for many.

Companies such as MakeAMom (makeamom.com) offer innovative kits tailored specifically for different sperm challenges:

  • CryoBaby for frozen or low-volume sperm samples.
  • Impregnator designed to support low motility sperm.
  • BabyMaker for those with conditions like vaginismus or sensitivities.

These reusable kits provide a cost-effective and private alternative to traditional clinical insemination, with an impressive average success rate of 67%. For couples and individuals navigating fertility challenges outside the mainstream clinical pathways, options like these represent real, practical hope.

Why Does Sperm Motility Matter Here?

One of the biggest hurdles in conception is sperm motility — the ability of sperm to swim effectively to fertilize an egg. Low motility can drastically reduce chances of pregnancy, which is exactly where specialized home insemination kits can make a difference.

By optimizing the delivery method and environment, kits like those from MakeAMom enhance sperm performance, addressing motility issues in a comfortable, self-directed setting.

Bridging the Science and the Real World

The disparity between breakthrough technologies like 3-person embryos and the lived realities of LGBTQ+ families highlights an important truth: fertility science is advancing, but inclusivity and accessibility must catch up.

While mitochondrial replacement therapy opens doors for some, others turn to trusted, tested methods that fit their unique needs. The future of family building belongs to a spectrum of solutions—from high-tech labs to empowering at-home kits.

What’s Next?

As we watch scientific innovation unfold, it’s crucial to ask: How can we ensure these advances serve all families? How will policy, technology, and community support evolve to be truly inclusive?

For those ready to take control of their fertility journey today, explore what options might fit your needs—whether that’s a cutting-edge clinical procedure or a smart, home-based insemination kit.

Are you curious about how improving sperm motility could boost your chances? Or wondering if home insemination might be right for you? Dive into trusted resources or visit MakeAMom’s site to learn more about practical, science-backed solutions.


Family building is complex, emotional, and deeply personal. No single breakthrough will solve every challenge—but every new option brings us one step closer to giving all hopeful parents a chance. What do you think about the promise and limits of 3-person embryos? Share your thoughts in the comments below!


Read the original article: Here’s why 3-person embryos are a breakthrough for science – but not LGBTQ+ families