If you have recently looked into an embryo adoption program through an accredited adoption agency, you may find their program requirements for eligibility may be stricter than that of an embryo donation program. With any adoption, there are certain requirements that must be met to ensure that children are matched with a family that is able to love and provide for them. The main focus is to keep the children safe and allow them grow in a loving and caring environment. This is also the case for adoption agencies that have embryo adoption programs.

The purpose is not to create unnecessary hurdles, but to make sure the right and proper choices are made when matching families and the best practices of adoption are followed.

What are the main eligibility requirements for embryo adoption through an accredited agency?

General requirements:

As a reference, we consulted the Snowflakes Embryo Adoption Program’s eligibility requirements, as they are a part of an accredited adoption agency (Nightlight Christian Adoptions ). These are the baseline requirements before moving on to ones that require more in-depth review:

The first requirement is you must be at least 25 years of age (through this can be flexible based on each family’s circumstances). Fathers also must be below the age of 55, and mothers below the age of 45. According to Snowflakes, this policy is in place due to the preferences that donor families usually have when selecting an adopting family for their remaining embryos.

In regard to marriage, all couples applying to the Snowflakes program must be married for a minimum of 2 years, as again this is usually preferred by the families who are donating their embryos to the Snowflakes program. Single women are also eligible for apply.

(To learn if you are eligible for the Snowflakes program, visit their website.)

Home Study:

The next step in adoption is completing a home study. Adoption home studies are done to ensure the agency can place children into the best possible environment.

The home study is also an educational tool for adopting families. It also includes a home inspection and verifying that it will be a livable situation. An accredited home study provider is also going to perform criminal background checks, verify you are healthy and will live long into the child’s adulthood, and educate you on the adoption process. The home study prepares the adopting family and it provides the donating family with peace-of-mind regarding the family they will eventually choose to match with.

The requirements and eligibility policies are not created to dig into your past and your personal information, nor are they in place to allow only a select few from pursuing embryo adoption through an agency. These requirements are created to help make sure children are placed in homes where they can thrive. Embryos will become babies, and babies will become children. They want the best possible matches for all children and parents while ensuring that there will be a loving, caring and safe environment for these children to grow and be nurture

To view a list of embryo adoption agencies, and to learn more about embryo adoption and donation, visit EmbryoAdoption.org.

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