Many embryo adoption programs have a wealth of resources for both potential adoptive and donating families. In particular, Snowflakes Embryo Adoption provides numerous educational resources, including webinars, videos, books, and blogs. Most of these resources were created by Snowflakes and Nightlight staff and other professionals. However, did you know that some of our Snowflakes adopting parents have written books about their embryo adoption experiences?
A Snowflake Named Hannah: Ethics, Faith, and the First Adoption of a Frozen Embryo
Author John Strege and his wife were the first family to adopt through the Snowflakes® Embryo Adoption Program, in 1997. In his book, John details their frozen embryo adoption experience. Through this story, he explores complex ethical, moral, and religious questions surrounding reproductive technology, the sanctity of life, and the meaning of parenthood. He also shares how his daughter, Hannah, becomes a symbol of hope and a focal point in the national debate over bioethics and the rights of embryos.
Frozen, But Not Forgotten: An Adoptive Dad’s Step-by-Step Guide to Embryo Adoption
Snowflakes adoptive father Nate Birt and his wife adopted through the Snowflakes program and welcomed their embryo-adopted daughter to their family in 2018. In this encouraging book, Nate offers a clear, chapter‑by‑chapter roadmap—from the initial contact with agencies and clinics, through embryo matching and the transfer process, all the way to life with a newborn and early parenting tips—interwoven with personal anecdotes, humor, and reflections. The book addresses ethical, emotional, and logistical considerations, helping readers who are navigating biological infertility or simply feel called to “rescue” embryos created during IVF. This guide encourages loving parents, regardless of their fertility story, to consider embryo adoption as a meaningful, faith‑affirming path to building a family.
Once Frozen, Now Family: How to Pursue Embryo Adoption, and How Seven Families Did It
Published just this year, adoptive father Ezekiel Lee wrote his book with the goals of assisting readers to:
- Understand the technical and logistical aspects of embryo adoption
- Follow the steps involved, from creating a family profile, to getting matched, to transferring your “snowflake baby” into the womb
- Embody the journey, along with the various challenges and ethical questions, through the stories of seven families who have walked this unique path
He and his wife have one son adopted through the Snowflakes program. In this book, he details their adoption experience but also shares the stories of other families who adopted embryos and their unique perspectives.
Snowflake Baby
Snowflake Baby is written by Snowflakes adopting parents Chris and Kari Stewart, who have two children born through embryo adoption. Their book is a tender allegory for children that explores the story of an embryo “snowflake” in a gentle, metaphorical style. The Stewarts liken the journey of a precious snowflake to that of a tiny embryo awaiting a loving family, inviting young readers into a narrative about wonder, hope, and belonging. The book offers a simple yet profound way to share with a child an explanation on life’s beginnings and the love that brings families together.
While professional advice and education is invaluable, it is also helpful to many adopting and placing families to learn from those who have walked that path before them. For anyone considering embryo adoption, these books can provide unique insights and advice about this unique form of family-building.
To see more resources about embryo adoption and donation, visit EmbryoAdoption.org.
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