Commonly Asked Questions

The following questions are frequently asked about embryo donation and adoption. For specific information regarding the process of Embryo Donation or Embryo Adoption, please visit the respective pages on our site.

Why embryo donation and adoption?

Infertility often makes a couple feel lonely, empty and incomplete. When couples go through fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization, there are often an excess of fertilized eggs (embryos) that are frozen and stored for later use. When the genetic parents decide that their family is complete and embryos are still available, they are faced with a dilemma: donating their embryos to research, thawing them and letting them die, or donating them to a couple who is unable to conceive. Many believe that embryo donation and adoption is the most life-honoring solution to this difficult choice.

Is this really adoption?
Based on current law, adoption only refers to the placement of a child after birth. Therefore, instead of using adoption laws, legal agreements are used to govern the process of embryo donation. The recipient parents' relationship with the child is just as binding as a legal adoption.

What are the chances of a successful pregnancy?
The chance of pregnancy after transfer of frozen embryos is currently 20-25%. However, only about 2/3 of embryos survive the thawing process, and therefore transfers cannot always be performed as planned. However, this still offers the greatest hope for both the frozen embryos and many infertile couples.

Can genetic parents change their minds and get custody of the child(ren)?
Under current law, once the embryos have been transferred, the genetic parents have no legal claim to any resultant children. The contract agreement and relinquishment forms are legally binding between the two families.

What are the costs?
In addition to the NEDC Fee Schedule, you may have additional costs for medications, travel, and coordination with your local physician. These costs will vary from couple to couple.

What is the first step?
We recommend that you learn as much as possible about embryo donation and adoption through our Web site. When you are ready to take the next step, call the National Embryo Donation Center toll free at 1-866-585-8549. If we are unavailable to speak with you at the time of your call, leave your contact information and we will call you back.