Donating Embryos

For some CFI patients, the idea of donating leftover embryos to others may be a fulfilling and meaningful option. Embryo donation allows other individuals or couples facing infertility to use the embryos to achieve a pregnancy.

• How It Works: Embryo donation involves transferring embryos that were created during someone else’s IVF cycle to another person who is unable to produce embryos themselves. Some individuals may opt to donate their embryos anonymously, while others may choose to participate in known donation, where the recipients and donors may have a personal connection.
• Ethical Considerations: Embryo donation raises various ethical issues, particularly regarding parental rights and responsibilities. Legal contracts are often drawn up to ensure that both the donor and the recipient understand their rights and responsibilities. These contracts help prevent legal issues in the future, especially in cases where the donor and recipient are known to each other.
• Emotional Impact: Donating embryos can be an emotional experience. For some donors, knowing that their embryos will help another family can be rewarding, but it may also bring up feelings of loss or attachment. Counseling is often recommended to help donors and recipients navigate the emotional aspects of embryo donation.
• Alternative Family-Building: Some people see embryo donation as a way to give others a chance to build their families, especially those who may not have the financial resources to undergo their own IVF cycle. Donating embryos can be a way to make a positive difference in someone’s life.

Conclusion

Leftover embryos after IVF present patients with a range of options, each with its own set of benefits, challenges, and emotional considerations. Whether you choose to freeze your embryos for future use, donate them to another family, or donate them to scientific research, it’s essential to approach this decision with care and understanding.

At Carolinas Fertility Institute, we are committed to providing compassionate care and guidance throughout your fertility journey, including helping you make informed decisions about what to do with your leftover embryos. If you have questions or need assistance, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

For more information about donating embryos, please contact the Embryo Donor Team using our Artisan Patient Portal.