Embryo Adoptions
For many couples desperate to have children, infertility is a reality. Typically, a couple with fertility issues will try multiple attempts to create a biological family - including in vitro fertilizations. Many couples want to experience the joy of carrying a child to term and giving birth, but are physically unable to create a viable embryo. After trying all possible options, many couples give up hope.
However, there is an option that allows infertile couples to have a child, even if it is not biologically theirs. If a woman is able to carry a child to term, this option can be the light at the end of the infertility tunnel. Embryo adoption gives an adoptive couple who are unable to conceive themselves the opportunity to carry a child to term and give birth, creating a family of their own.
In in vitro fertilization, egg and sperm cells are brought together in a laboratory to create embryos. These embryos are then frozen in a cryogenic process to keep the embryo alive. Only one of these embryos is implanted, and the rest remain in the freezer awaiting the couple's decision.
If the couple has no further desire to have children, they can donate the embryos to be used by an infertile couple. Several organizations deal specifically with embryo adoption and accept embryo donations from generous couples. One such organization, the National Embryo Donation Center (NEDC), was established to provide an alternative to couples facing the problem of what to do with their embryos.
Another organization, Snowflakes Embryo Adoption Project, is part of the Nightlight Christian Adoptions organization. Nightlight specializes in assisting all potential adoptive parents with traditional adoptions or embryo adoptions. Prior to embryo adoption, couples were forced to either destroy the embryos or donate them as research subjects.
Embryo donation can be either open or anonymous adoption. In embryo donation, the donating couple can decide whether to disclose their personal information to those who will become parents and carry the embryo to term. Similarly, couples interested in adoption can request that the adoption be conducted anonymously.
Because adoption cannot occur until after the child is born, the term "adoption" for this process is somewhat misleading. Adoption of an embryo is a legal procedure that requires special documentation. Unlike adoption, the names of the adoptive parents are recorded on the birth certificate after the child is born. After signing the legally binding donation contract, the donor couple cannot claim the child, especially after the child is born.
As with in vitro fertilization, there is no guarantee that embryo adoption will result in pregnancy or a child. Unfortunately, only about two-thirds of embryos survive the thawing process. The likelihood that implantation of an embryo will result in pregnancy is only 20 to 25 percent. However, if a couple has a desire to carry a child to term and give birth, these odds may be the best for them.
Economically, embryo adoption costs about one-third the amount of traditional in vitro fertilization. For many couples, the economics of infertility treatment means closing many doors. Added to these costs are travel expenses, as many organizations require you to be on site for the initial screening and the actual implantation.
If the first embryo implantation does not result in a pregnancy, the couple usually has a few more chances. The embryo adoption process at NEDC offers couples three chances for implantation of adoptive embryos. Similar to in vitro fertilization, the cost increases as more chances are needed for embryo adoption.
While this is a small price to pay for the joy of bearing a child and starting a family, it is prohibitive for some infertile couples. Before embarking on the embryo adoption experience, all decisions must be made to ensure that the process is an option.
Embryo Donation - You Don't Have to Give Up on Your Dream!
Embryo donation is a relatively new way for infertile couples to become pregnant. When a couple's own eggs and/or sperm are not of good quality, embryo donation/adoption is a good alternative for them. Many of these couples choose traditional adoption, but most women long to carry their child to term. Now women can adopt and still carry their child to term.
What is embryo donation?
Embryo donation is when a couple donates embryos to another couple. This happens when a couple has embryos left over from an IVF cycle. The couple does not want to use the embryos, but they also do not want to destroy them. Once a couple finds donor embryos, they will have a frozen embryo transfer. A frozen embryo transfer is similar to an IVF cycle, except for the egg retrieval.
Who is a good candidate for embryo donation adoption?
Any couple who wants to start a family but has a problem with the quality of their embryos should consider IVF. Using donor embryos can solve the couple's problem. For example, if the woman is in her forties and has poor quality eggs, using donor embryos can greatly increase the likelihood of conception. Donor embryo adoption is a great alternative to traditional adoption, but keep in mind that there is no guarantee that you will get pregnant.
Where can you find donor embryos?
There are several ways to find donor embryos. One way is to go through an organization. "Snowflakes" is the best known, but there are others. These organizations guarantee you embryos, but you have to pay a large fee and may have to wait a while. The organization will cost you between five and seven thousand dollars.
Another way to find donor embryos is through your fertility clinic. When people have completed their family, they sometimes give the embryos to the clinic. The clinic keeps a list where potential recipients can sign up. This is a free way to find donor embryos, but it can take a long time.
I would recommend checking out Miracles Waiting. It's almost like a dating website where potential donors and recipients can find each other. It's free for donors, and potential recipients pay a small fee to sign up for a year. If you are looking for donor embryos, post an ad about yourself and hope a couple will contact you. Some people find a match within a few weeks, others never do. Since this method is relatively cheap and can go quickly, you should try it first.
If you are trying to start a family but have had no luck with IVF or other treatments, you should look for donor embryos. Embryo donation is a great alternative to traditional adoption that not many couples are taking advantage of yet.
0 Comments