MyFertilityGuide

Since 1978 when the first baby was born from in vitro fertilization (IVF), the road toward assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has been quickly traveled. Because the oocyte could now be fertilized outside of the mother's uterus, hopeful mothers who were unable to produce a viable egg for fertilization now looked to embryo donation and embryo adoption for a chance to experience childbirth.

What is Embryo Adoption?

The term 'embryo adoption' refers to the legal adoption of one or more embryos generated by a woman who is not genetically related to the intended recipient. The adopted embryos are used during in vitro fertilization and transferred to the hopeful mother’s uterus.

How Does Embryo Adoption Work?

There are two different kinds of embryos to choose from in embryo adoption: existing embryos and made-to-order embryos.

Existing embryos make use of excess embryos harvested by infertile couples who successfully achieved pregnancy during IVF treatments. Rather than dispose of these existing embryos, some couples opt to make them available to other infertile couples who cannot produce their own through embryo adoption. Through cryopreservation, or freezing, these eggs are available on an as-needed basis.

Made-to-order embryos are those embryos created specifically for the infertile couple who needs them using specific sperm and eggs from the couple's donors of choice. For example, the male partner's sperm may be used with a friend’s eggs and then implanted in the female partner's uterus.

What are the Benefits of Embryo Adoption?

Embryo adoption, like any form of adoption, is an emotional choice and a practical one. Much like sperm donation, hopeful parents can choose the genetic characteristics of the baby as much as possible and still enjoy the experience of pregnancy and childbirth. In some cases, embryo adoption allows the embryo donors the ability to choose the adopting parents who undergo a home study and application process much like they would in a traditional adoption.

Who Qualifies For Embryo Adoption?

A hopeful mother must be physically able to carry the resulting baby to term and successfully give birth. If her issue with infertility is solely in the arena of egg production, she may be a good candidate for in vitro fertilization through embryo adoption.

What Are the Legalities of Embryo Adoption?

At the moment, the legal system defines the woman who gives birth to a child as the parent, not the woman who produced the egg that resulted in that child. Few states have laws governing the rights—or lack thereof—of the embryo or the woman from whom the embryo was originally harvested. Because of these inconsistencies and lack of guidelines, it is recommended that all parties involved draw up a legal contractual agreement before in vitro fertilization takes place.