Embryo donation is a topic that can become pretty controversial quickly. However, we are going to keep it simple and touch on what it means and the importance of it. Of course, there are pros and cons just like any topic and we will touch a bit on those too.
What is embryo donation?
When a couple goes through IVF the sperm and egg are used to create an embryo. Once the embryo is formed it will then be implanted into the woman’s uterus. Usually, there is more than one embryo created, and not all are transferred at once. The remaining embryos are then stored for the couple if they decide to try for more children. Many things can come up causing a couple to not move forward with using the remaining embryos, such as health reasons, or that they feel their family is complete. This is when a couple can choose to donate their embryos to a couple or woman who may not be able to produce viable embryos.What does it mean to donate an embryo?
Embryo donation is a wonderful gift for a woman/couple, it gives them a chance at becoming pregnant that they may not have otherwise. Some women are unable to produce viable embryos but can carry a pregnancy. If she was to receive a viable embryo that was donated the embryo would have a chance at life and the woman a chance at becoming pregnant and the couple a chance at having a child. When a couple does IVF more than one embryo is usually created, for whatever reason some embryos are not used. The parents of them then have to decide if they are going to freeze them (this is a costly option), give them to research (this is not always a desired option), or destroy them (this option can be very controversial). However, donating the embryo to another couple in need just might be very appealing. Depending on the state and the legal terms used when an embryo is given to another couple it is either donated or adopted. Some states do not allow embryo adoption because the embryo is not yet a child, however, the embryo can be donated.Pros of embryo donation:
- The recipient couple can choose an embryo donor allowing them to pick similar physical characteristics and ethnicity.
- The family history and other genetic factors will be known about the embryo.
- Embryo donation allows the recipient woman to experience pregnancy.
- It is much more affordable than other methods of third party reproduction options.
- Since embryos are donated and not purchased the only cost is that of the treatment and the transfer.
- Embryos that may have been kept frozen indefinitely, donated to research, or destroyed will have a chance at life.
Cons of embryo donation:
- Embryos contain tissues from another person that could transfer an infectious disease (however there is no known documented that this has ever happened).
- All the risks that come with IVF procedures.
- It may result in a multiples pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.).
- There is an increased risk in premature labor, birth defects, pregnancy onset diabetes, and/or high blood pressure during pregnancy.
- A Complete Family
- Medical Reasons
- Expand your Extended Family
- Give the Gift of Life
- Give the Experience of Pregnancy
- Infertility Struggles – We’ve Been There
- The Ethical Choice
- Peace of Mind
- Desire to Know
- Embryo Storage Costs
Where can you donate embryos?
There are multiple locations across 43 states here in the US. You can find a list of them here!Ways to Donate or Get Involved with Starfish Infertility Foundation:
- Through the website – www.starfishinfertilityfoundation.org: (https://starfishinfertilityfoundation.org/star_fish_homepage/get-involved/)
- Gift through Paypal to: info@starfishinfertilityfoundation.org
- Kroger Rewards If you shop at Kroger and have a Kroger Plus Card, please visit https://www.kroger.com/communityrewards Simply sign in, enroll now, enter organization number {PT873 for SIF}, enroll – DONE in less than 2 minutes!! Kroger will then donate a portion to SIF! How easy is THAT???
- Amazon Smile Go through www.smile.amazon.com to place your Amazon Orders and Choose STARFISH INFERTILITY FOUNDATION! A Portion of your Purchase will Automatically be Donated!
