Choosing to grow your family through embryo adoption is a deeply personal and meaningful decision. As you move forward in this journey, one of the most important choices you will make is selecting a fertility clinic that not only provides high-quality medical care but also fully supports embryo adoption. It is essential to feel both medically supported and emotionally cared for during the process. However, finding the right clinic involves more than just a good feeling—it also requires understanding that not all fertility clinics are willing to work with adopted embryos, particularly those from outside organizations.
Some clinics have more restrictive policies regarding embryo adoption, while others are more open and experienced in working with embryos from programs, like Snowflakes. Snowflakes works closely with referral clinics to understand their specific preferences, limitations, and protocols related to adopted embryos. This allows for better knowledge and experience when facilitating matches between adopting families and available embryos, minimizing potential roadblocks in the clinic approval process.
Below are some of the key factors that clinics may take into account when determining whether they can accept donated embryos for transfer.
1. Embryo Grade, Developmental Stage, and Freezing Method
Embryos are created and frozen at different stages of development following fertilization. The most widely accepted are embryos frozen at the blastocyst stage, typically on Day 5 or Day 6. This stage represents a more advanced development and is often associated with higher implantation success rates. Clinics tend to prefer blastocysts due to their increased visibility under the microscope and stronger potential for successful pregnancy.
Other embryos may be frozen earlier, such as on Day 2 (2PN stage) or Day 3 (cleavage stage). While some clinics are comfortable working with embryos frozen at these earlier stages, others may limit acceptance to only blastocysts.
Freezing method is another significant factor. In recent years, vitrification—a rapid-freezing technique—has become the standard in embryo preservation due to its improved survival rates during thawing. Many clinics prefer or even require vitrified embryos for transfer.
However, there are still many embryos in storage that were frozen using the slow-freeze method, an older but still viable technique. Some clinics are equipped and willing to work with slow-frozen embryos, but others may not have the necessary technology or experience to confidently do so. Clinics must assess whether their equipment and embryology staff are prepared to handle these types of embryos, which may require different thawing protocols.
2. Embryo Grading and Other Medical Considerations
Embryos are also given a grade based on their appearance and development, usually using a lettering or numbering system. Common grading systems evaluate the inner cell mass (which becomes the baby) and the trophectoderm (which becomes the placenta).
Grades such as BB or higher are often preferred, though it is important to note that embryo grading is inherently subjective and can vary between clinics. What one clinic considers a high-quality embryo may differ from another clinic’s assessment. Because of this variability, many clinics are willing to review embryo profiles on a case-by-case basis, especially when other factors—such as the age of the genetic parents or embryo stage—are favorable.
In addition to embryo grade, clinics often consider the age of the egg source at the time of fertilization. Many clinics prefer embryos created using eggs from women under the age of 35, or in some cases under 40, as younger egg age is generally associated with better embryo quality and improved chances of a healthy pregnancy. This criterion is particularly relevant when the embryos were created by the genetic parents (rather than gamete donors).
Another consideration is the year the embryos were created. Some clinics prefer embryos that were frozen after 2005, as this is around the time when vitrification began to replace the slow-freeze method. Embryos created more recently are also more likely to be stored in devices compatible with current lab protocols. However, this preference is often correlated with freezing method and storage device, rather than a strict cut-off based on creation date alone.
3. Freezing Devices and Storage Method
Embryos may be stored in a variety of cryostorage devices, depending on the clinic where they were created and the freezing method used. These devices can range from straws and vials to specialized carriers designed for vitrification. Whether a receiving clinic can accept embryos frozen in a particular device depends on their storage systems, thawing protocols, and staff training.
Some clinics may have restrictions or preferences related to specific freezing devices, particularly if the device is outdated or incompatible with their current lab equipment. Snowflakes works with referral clinics to determine which devices they can accept, which helps match families more accurately with embryos that are most likely to be accepted for transfer.
4. Use of Donors in Embryo Creation
Many embryos available for adoption were created using donor eggs, donor sperm, or both. From a medical perspective, embryos created with donor gametes are often seen as favorable. Donors are typically young, healthy individuals who undergo extensive genetic, infectious disease, and psychological screening prior to donation. As a result, the embryos created from donors are often of high medical quality.
While some adoptive families may be uncertain about using donor-conceived embryos, clinics often see these embryos as strong candidates for successful transfer. Most clinics are open to working with donor created embryos and may even prefer them in certain circumstances.
Many embryo adoption programs strive to make the embryo adoption process as smooth and transparent as possible. This is accomplished by maintaining open communication with fertility clinics and gathering detailed information about their requirements, preferences, and restrictions regarding embryo acceptance.
This allows programs to better guide adopting families, ensuring they are matched with embryos that have a strong chance of being accepted by their chosen clinic. However, it is important to remember that each clinic has the final authority in determining whether they will accept a particular set of embryos. Factors such as embryo quality, storage method, donor involvement, or even internal clinic policy may influence the decision.
By understanding these potential variables early in the process, families can make informed decisions, avoid unnecessary delays, and move forward with confidence in their embryo adoption journey.
To learn more about embryo adoption or donation, visit EmbryoAdoption.org.
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