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, […]
Embryo Donation vs. Embryo Adoption: What’s the difference?
Different organizations use different words… is there really a difference between embryo donation and embryo adoption?? Embryo donation refers to the act of individuals or couples who have created embryos through in vitro fertilization (IVF) but no longer desire them for their own reproductive purposes, choosing to donate those embryos to another person or couple. […]
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. […]
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 […]
Embryo Donation vs Traditional Adoption – Similar, Yet Vastly Different
Embryo donation and traditional adoption are two distinct processes with unique considerations for the offspring, parents, and the individuals involved. Let’s walk through each aspect: Fundamentals: Embryo Donation: In embryo donation, the offspring is conceived through a frozen embryo transfer using donated embryos. Embryos are donated via contract law. Offspring carry the genetics of the […]