What does a physician consider when accepting donated embryos?
When Reproductive Endocrinologists (REIs) consider accepting donated embryos for intended parents, they consider embryo grades, along with many other important factors to maximize likelihood for a successful, healthy pregnancy and birth: Embryo Quality: Embryo grading is one of the primary considerations, REIs and embryologists assess the embryos based on their developmental stage, cell number, fragmentation, […]
Finding the Perfect Embryo Donor: What do Intended Parents Seek?
The Top 8 Criteria Potential Donors Should Know About How Intended Parents Select Donors Embryo donation offers Intended Parents a sense of control in their path to parenthood, and they value the opportunity to select donors that are a good fit for them and their future family. Every Intended Parent is different, so there is […]
Can recipients ever claim child support?
In its simplest form, an embryo donation agreement establishes embryo ownership and parentage. The embryo donor relinquishes any rights or responsibilities to any children born via the donated embryos and recipients accept ALL parental rights and responsibilities. These parental responsibilities include, but are not limited to, child support, medical care, and guardianship.
Can my recipient/donor in an open donation “ghost” me?
Embryo donation relationships are built on mutual trust. Establishing a foundation for interaction expectations at the outset will help to ensure that no one is disappointed or overwhelmed. Families can agree at the outset how often they wish to engage, if at all, until the offspring decide that they want to know one another. The […]
Do my embryos qualify for donation?
Generally, YES! Most embryos qualify to donate to another family trying to conceive. A program that does not accept your embryos is simply abiding by the restrictions of their specific donation method. Understanding these different methods can help you determine the right path for your donation. If you are wondering if your embryos qualify for […]
Decoding embryo grading, and why it matters
Decoding Embryo Grading… and Why it Matters 4AA, 3BA, 6BC…what does it all mean? While embryo grading can feel like deciphering a secret code, it is actually a relatively simple system to learn. When you understand the code, you’ll have a better grasp of the quality of embryos you are either donating or receiving. […]
Raising a donor-conceived child: What we’ve learned from the donor conceived community
When raising a donor-conceived child, starting donor conception conversations from a very early age can be beneficial for the child’s emotional well-being and understanding of their identity, and make it easier on parents to tell before it becomes an awkward conversation. Here are some key considerations: Trust your children’s ability to grasp the concept from […]
As an Intended Parent, what should I consider for matching with a donor?
When considering a potential donor family, many start with the goal to increasing probability for success, followed by fit with their family, which can take many forms. We’ll review a few of those considerations here: Embryo quality: Learn and understand the embryos available for donation, by freeze day, expansion level, and grade, as well as […]
Why do I need a legal agreement? What is it for?
Embryo donation falls under quasi property law with a significant family law component. The legal agreement is the official document that actually transfers all parental rights and responsibilities from the donor to the recipient. Beyond that, the agreement works out intentions between the parties regarding the donation. It is beneficial for both parties! Key elements […]
What is psychoeducational counseling, and is it required?
Embryo donation or receipt is a complex decision that involves emotional, psychological, and ethical considerations for everyone involved. Embryo donation psychoeducation with a trained third-party reproductive mental health provider aims to address these various aspects and provide information, guidance, emotional support and resources to help individuals or couples navigate the unique challenges associated with embryo […]