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Embryo Adoption
Embryo adoption also gives the adopting parents the ability to choose the genetic parents’ characteristics.
When a couple undergoes an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure, they often choose to have embryos that are not transferred into the mother cryopreserved for later use. This gives the couple the option to have another embryo transfer in the future at a much lower cost and without having to go through ovarian hyperstimulation and egg retrieval. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) estimates that, as of the Spring of 2003, there were more than 400,000 human embryos in frozen storage in the United States. These embryos give rise to a new family building option, embryo donation and adoption, which combines assisted reproductive techniques with adoption, so that instead of adopting a baby, infertile couples adopt an embryo.
Choosing Embryo Adoption-- Requirements for Embryo Adoption
Adopting mothers must be physically able to carry a child to term. Embryo adoption is the process whereby an embryo, created from the egg of a woman and the sperm of a man, is gestated in the womb of another woman to be raised by her and her partner neither of whom provided the gametes. Like traditional adoption, the couple that raises the child has no genetic connections to the child, but unlike traditional adoption, the couple does not have to go through a legal process in order to be declared the child's legal parents.
Embryo adoption is an option for single women desiring a pregnancy who do not have a designated sperm donor and are unable to use their own eggs. It is also an option for couples in which only one member is infertile but who both want to have an equal genetic (i.e. non-genetic) relationship to their child. Embryo adoption is also an alternative for infertile couples who need either egg or sperm donation (or both).
Reasons for Choosing Embryo Adoption
Many wonder why a couple would choose embryo adoption rather than adopting a child already born. There are many reasons. For couples that have experienced long-term infertility, embryo adoption offers the unique opportunity to be pregnant, to bond with their child prior to birth, and to give birth. Embryo adoption also gives the adopting parents the ability to choose the genetic parents’ characteristics. In addition, embryo adoption may be much more affordable than traditional adoption in the US. It also offers couples privacy and secrecy, so that they do not need to be concerned with societal acceptance of their adopted child.
You Can Make a Difference - Embryo Donation
When a couple who has stored embryos decides that they do not want to add any more children to their family, they must decide what to do with those remaining embryos. By donating them to another couple, the donating parents give each of their embryos a chance to be born while also giving a childless couple the hope of parenthood.
Medical Screening on the Donor Couple
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) suggests that the genetic parents have current blood work results dated at least 6 months post conception. ASRM currently recommends the following blood tests: AIDS (antibodies to HIV I and HIV II), Hepatitis (HbsAG, antibodies to hepatitis B and C, and E core antibody), Syphilis (VDRL [RPR] – if positive, then FTA or MHATP) and blood typing.
"Embryo Adoption," http://www.reproductivehealthctr.com/embryo_adoption.htm (accessed August 4, 2009).