When Allison and Tom Benassi were asked what they’d like to do with their leftover embryos after their in vitro fertilization treatments were complete, they decided to donate them. They’d been trying to have a child for five years before they had daughter Jamie and were familiar with the pain of struggling with infertility. David and Rhonda Joseph were the lucky recipients of the embryos, and they soon welcomed their daughter Piper.
Nearly 10 years passed when Piper and Jamie, biological sisters, decided that they would like to meet. Their parents were in contact and agreed to the plan. “As soon as they saw each other and met each other, it was just instant togetherness–two sisters immediately,” said Piper’s dad, David, in an interview with WCPO Cincinnati.
The girls’ close relationship despite growing up with two different sets of parents highlights the importance of an open adoption. Instead of waiting until they were adults to seek out information about their biological siblings, the two will be able to grow up together and develop a relationship at an early age. Using an open adoption format for an embryo adoption allows biological siblings to stay in touch and get to know each other as well as obtain important information about their medical history and heritage.
Piper’s mom said the reunion with the Benassis never felt awkward, and she told WCPO that she would urge others to consider donating their remaining frozen embryos to help other couples have children.
If you would like to learn more about donating your remaining frozen embryos, you can learn more about the process and find a nearby clinic or adoption agency at www.embryoadoption.org.
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