When you step into the world of embryo adoption, you are stepping into the same beautiful and (sometimes) complicated journey that all adoptive parents experience. Adoption can take many forms, but at its core, it is the same selfless act of saying yes to a child who is not biologically your own, and loving them as though they were.
Most states do not recognize embryo adoption as adoption, which can lead to confusion about what it actually is. While embryo adoption is unique in many ways, it is still adoption at its heart. It is choosing to step into a story that began long before you, and committing to carry that story forward with love, grace, and intentionality.
Embracing the Truth of Adoption
You will often hear people say that adopted children need to hear the truth of their adoption. An important factor often missed is that we, as parents, must accept the truth ourselves. For many, the journey toward embryo adoption begins with the painful reality of infertility. Not being able to conceive a child naturally can be heart wrenching, and mourning the loss of a genetic child is an important part of the healing process. Your son or daughter may not look like you. They may inherit hair texture from their genetic family, or maybe a personality trait that surprises you. However, make no mistake: they are your child. They will learn your laugh, they will be comforted by your hugs, and they will call you ‘Mom’ or ‘Dad.’ Biology cannot determine the strength of the bond you will share.
Healing from the loss of not carrying your own genetic child opens the door to hope. Once the storm of tears has been weathered, new possibilities often begin to appear. What once felt like an ending can become the start of something unexpected and deeply beautiful.
Understanding Genetics in Embryo Adoption
Another important reality of embryo adoption is genetics. The child you carry will not share your DNA. This can be surprising or even difficult for some adoptive parents to process.
Though you are the one who nurtures and carries this baby into the world, their genetic story began before you. Their DNA was written years ago, and you are being invited to step into that story and help it continue. Your son or daughter may not look like you, but they are your child. No less real, no less yours. By adoption, you are committing to nurture a story that has already been written.
Adoption has always been about love, intentionality, and commitment. Not about DNA.
The Heart of Adoption
Embryo adoption is a powerful expression of love and selflessness, both from the placing family and the adopting family. It carries with it the joys, challenges, and lifelong significance of any adoption.
When you say yes to embryo adoption, you are saying yes to parenting a child who may not share your genetics, but who will be shaped by your love, your home, and your care. That is the heart of adoption.
To learn more about embryo adoption and donation, visit EmbryoAdoption.org.
Recent Comments