Options for Unused Embryos and When to Decide Their Fate
The journey through in vitro fertilization (IVF) is often filled with hope and anticipation. While many couples find joy in the successful creation of embryos, it’s not uncommon for multiple embryos to be produced during the process. Thanks to advancements in technology and the expertise of embryologists, the chances of successful implantation have greatly increased, leading to situations where several embryos remain after the birth of a child. This raises an important question for many intended parents: what should be done with the surplus embryos?
Understanding Your Options
When faced with the decision about leftover embryos, it is important to consider your emotional and financial readiness for future journeys. Many parents are eager to give their child siblings, particularly if they have genetic ties. Utilizing remaining embryos for additional surrogacy arrangements is a common and meaningful option. Doing so not only offers a way to expand your family but also maintains a genetic connection to your previous children, which can be particularly significant for families who used an egg donor in their journeys.
However, as time progresses and more journeys are undertaken, it is not unusual to find that you have additional embryos left. A key factor to remember is that you have the right to store these embryos for as long as you desire; current regulations allow for indefinite storage. This gives you the flexibility to make decisions about the embryos according to your timeline and circumstances.
Considering the Fate of Your Embryos
After the birth of one or more babies, it is crucial to start considering what to do with any remaining embryos. One highly recommended option is to consider donating them. Many couples face infertility challenges and long for the joys of parenthood but may not have the financial means for fertility treatments like IVF. By donating your embryos, you are offering an invaluable gift in the form of a potential pregnancy — significantly lowering the costs related to thawing and transferring embryos for others.
Should you choose to proceed with embryo donation, the clinic’s legal team will prepare a consent form that grants the clinic full rights to manage the embryos, including selecting families who will receive them. This process allows the clinic to act in the best interest of the embryos, as they become the owner of the embryos and can make decisions based on availability and suitability for potential parents.
Addressing Concerns About Donation
It is completely understandable for intended parents to have concerns regarding the genetic lineage of children born from donated embryos. The emotions tied to wanting to keep genetic ties close are valid and important. If the thought of donation does not resonate with you, another option is to simply discard the embryos. Should you opt for this avenue, your instructions will be executed by the embryology team per your signed consent, ensuring the process is carried out with care and respect.
As a point of consideration, it is important to note that in Georgia, regulations specify that frozen embryos can only be used for surrogacy within ten years of their creation. After this period, embryos can no longer be utilized for surrogacy, though this limitation does not apply to frozen eggs or sperm.
