In vitro fertilization is becoming increasingly popular as the current generation puts off having children until they are well into their 30’s – the age when many women will start to experience fertility issues. Many couples believe that advanced in fertility technology like in vitro fertilization will help them build their families – and they’re right. Unfortunately, the unintended consequence from the rise in popularity for IVF treatments is a booming frozen embryo population.
During IVF, more embryos are created than actually needed in order to give couples the best chance at conception. Clinics
use what they deem to be the strongest and healthiest embryos for their clients, freezing the rest for future pregnancies. When a couple decides that their family is complete, they may have several remaining frozen embryos in storage. The number of frozen embryos in storage in the United States is already estimated to be at one million and counting.
So what should be done with these frozen embryos? Created for life, these embryos could face a lifetime in frozen storage while their families decide what to do with them. Many clinics offer disposal options, where the embryos are simply thawed and allowed to die. Others may offer options to donate the embryos to scientific research. For many families, though, only one option offers the peace of knowing they gave the embryos that they created a chance at life: embryo donation.
You can donate your frozen embryos to a couple who wants to build their family. You can even help choose the family that receives your embryos so you know your embryos will be safe and loved. If you’d like to learn more about this option for your frozen embryos, visit www.embryoadoption.org.
(Please Read Our Comment Policy Before Commenting)
Recent Comments