So, you have leftover embryos after IVF and you’re now feeling the stress of having to decide what to do. You’re not alone. According to studies, 71% of couples had not decided what they were going to do with their unused frozen embryos after storing them for an average of 4.2 years.
Why Donate Unused Frozen Embryos?
Infertile couples and individuals need embryos. Research shows that of the estimated 600,000 cryopreserved embryos in the U.S., less than 15% are donated to be used by others. However, in recent years, donating embryos to be used by others has become a more accessible option. At Donor Nexus, we offer an innovative embryo donation program that provides a solution for both donors and recipients. As the embryo donor, you are provided with a dignifying and meaningful option to bring closure to your IVF journey while simultaneously helping others pursue their dreams of parenthood.
When you choose to donate your unused embryos, you are giving the potential gift of life to a couple or individual who has been fighting for that “maybe baby” for a long time. The embryos were created with the goal of creating a life, and donating your unused embryos carries on that dream.
Fortunately, donating embryos to other patients has gained popularity in recent years as the need for donations to science has been decreasing; only a handful of programs are still accepting donated embryos for medical research.
Making an Informed Decision
At Donor Nexus, we aim to inform both donors and recipients about the embryo donation process to empower you to make informed decisions. Below, we have gathered a few common questions. If you have any additional questions regarding donating unused embryos, our team would be happy to discuss your options with you.
FAQ
Can you sell your frozen embryos?
No, you cannot sell your frozen embryos. It is illegal in the U.S. to pay for an embryo. However, donors are typically reimbursed for specific costs relating to the donation. Donor Nexus covers all shipping costs to transfer the embryos to our clinic, cryopreservation/storage fees, and any additional legal fees that may be required.
What are the laws regarding embryo storage?
While Australia and the U.K. have a storage limit of 5-10 years, the United States has no limit on embryo storage. This is a good solution for couples or individuals who plan on personally using their embryos at a later time.
What’s the difference between known (open) and anonymous embryo donation?
In an open donation, you can choose to exchange contact information with the donor recipient(s). In a closed donation, you choose not to have contact with the recipients. Generally, at Donor Nexus, we facilitate closed, anonymous donations. However, we prioritize your preferences as the donor and will be happy to assist in facilitating an open donation if that’s what you prefer. Learn more about your options in this blog post: Anonymous vs. Open Embryo Donation (and the "In-Between" Options).
*Please note that although our team adheres to the highest standards to maintain donor and recipient confidentiality when facilitating the cycle, with advancements in commercial genetic testing, we counsel our embryo donors and intended parents to understand that we cannot guarantee permanent anonymity in the future.
What are the legal considerations when donating embryos?
Unlike embryo adoption, there are no complicated or perilous legal issues surrounding the use of donor embryos for embryo donation cycles. The recipients, known as the birth parents, are the legal parents of the child.
We understand that this is a very important and difficult decision, and we understand that it’s common for donors to have preferences for the family that will be receiving the embryo(s). With this in mind, we respect and accommodate any preferences you have when it comes to placing your leftover embryos into the right family.
When you donate embryos to Donor Nexus, we work with you to ensure that all your desires for the future of your embryos are understood. When we list the embryos in our database, we will add your preferences to be seen by the prospective recipients as they search our donor embryo database.
Essentially, we do all that we can to make sure that you are comfortable and confident in your decision. Are you interested in donating unused embryos? To learn more or submit your information, please visit this page.
