Embryo Adoption
Posted on April 6, 2009
When my husband and I completed the mountains of paperwork for our IVF cycle we were focused on getting pregnant and having a baby. It never occurred to either of us to ask what our clinic would do with our unused embryos. We had 3 embryos that we were able to freeze after our fresh IVF cycle. I had hoped for extra embryos so that if the fresh cycle didn’t work I would have a second chance. I’m guessing many folks can relate.
One year after our cycle we recieved paperwork from our clinic asking us what we wanted to do with our embryos. Our options were 1) keep them frozen and pay the annual fee, 2) donate them to another couple, or 3) destroy them. Our twins were only a few months old. We opted to keep our embryos frozen. I was hanging onto the idea of trying for another child, but my husband was ready to destroy the embryos. Thankfully, he knew I wasn’t ready and agreed to keep them on ice for at least one more year.
Then year two rolled around. We had to make a decision. I called our clinic to see if there was a fourth option, donate our embryos to science. Unfortunately, this was not something our clinic did. Both my husband and I were disappointed. We actually discussed that had we know this we might have chosen another clinic. Yet, neither of us ever thought we would have unused embryos.
My husband was adamant that our embryos not be “used” by someone else. He didn’t want his DNA to be raised by a stranger. While I can understand his point, I disagreed that the embroys were our children even though they contained our DNA. But in the end we made the decision to destroy our left over embroys since he was unwilling to donate them to another couple.
When I read articles like this one: Embryo Adoption An Alternative For Infertile Couples, it makes me sad that we didn’t donate our embryos to another couple. However, I am thankful there are other couples who have used IVF that are willing to do so.
What are your thoughts? Would you donate your unused embryos? Or, on the other hand, would you be willing to adopt embryos?
» Filed Under Infertility, adoption
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9 Responses to “Embryo Adoption”
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This is a topic that was new to me about six months ago. I believe the adoption of embryos can be a wonderful alternative for people. I could never be a donor b/c of our IF problems, but if I were able I think I would be like you and want to donate our unused embryos to someone who could use them. I think it is a complicated subject that will evolve with time.
p.s. thanks for posting about my essay contest.
My husband and I have talked about this, and (if we have any), we would like our embryo’s donated to other couples. I feel that if someone else can enjoy the gift of life, I’m okay with that. I guess it does seem a little weird to think of YOUR children out there walking around. I guess I never really thought about that, but, it would be our DNA. Strange thought, but, I really feel that it what we would do.
I am not sure if I would use donated embryo’s though. I think (THINK) if I was at that point, I’d rather adopt. I guess you never know until you are in that situation though. Just a personal preference…obviously nothing against other people’s decisions.
Interesting blog post, thanks!!
I have just recently been introduced to Embryo Adoption as I have a very good friend who is considering adopting embryos. I think it is pretty amazing and would certainly consider it for myself if I knew I could carry a baby (which I don’t know). I would also willingly donate any embryos I had that were unused to a couple who would benefit from them.
I love that this option is out there for both parties involved.
My husband and I are blessed to be the adoptive parents of another’s couples’ leftover embryos. I’m unable to produce viable eggs and we just can’t afford the cost of egg donation. Without the option of embryo adoption, we would have no hope of having a pregnancy of our own. Thank you to those of you who donate your embies!
We were THRILLED at the possibility of embryo adoption and have adopted 6 blasts from another couple. They will be transferred on August 11 God willing! We were unable to have our own bio kids and it was so AWESOME that we have been given the opportunity to adopt these precious ones while easing the minds of the donor parents that these have a chance at life. We have other adopted children so in a sense they will all be adopted! We feel so blessed.
I’m looking into adopting embryos. When you realize that you may not be able to carry your own children, embryo adoption sound like a wonderful option. My personal problem is not infertility, but an antibody in my blood that might attack a child I carry that has a positive blood type. My husband and I have at least a 50% chance of conceiving a child with positive blood. If I were able to adopt an embryo with a negative blood type, I would have no fear of my antibodies attacking the baby.
We are the proud parents of 3 incredible kiddos thru foster/adopt and now 3 more kiddos thru embryo/adoption. It is the most selfless, loving act anyone can do for these babies. Thanks for sharing your story and for getting the word out!
I had 2IVF cycles failed and I am seeking somebody to donate 3 frozen embryos for us. We have no more money for another IVF. Please if you want to donate could you contact me? God bless you!
Please consider embryo donation to an infertile couple. I have been very blessed to adopt a little girl after a mother hearing of my multiple miscarriages. Please bless someone else and keep the gift of life alive!