The world of adoption often feels overwhelming, and it brings with it a completely new vocabulary. We’re here to help you understand some terms that are commonly swapped, what they all mean, and when to use which word!
Donation or adoption?
Embryo donation refers to the process of genetic parent(s) donating their embryos to be transferred by another family. This process is typically done anonymously, through a fertility clinic or third-party embryo donation program. In embryo donation situations, the donating and receiving families are matched randomly and do not have a choice in which family they donate to/which embryos they receive.
Embryo adoption is the same basic process as embryo donation, but is treated as an adoption. Adopting parents are vetted through a home study or similar evaluation process, and can provide certain preferences that they are hoping for in a match. Similarly, embryo placing families can choose qualities that they desire in an adoptive family, and both families are provided with information about one another during the matching process. In many embryo adoption cases, the families agree to a communication agreement that ensures they can maintain a relationship with one another as the adopted child(ren) are growing up.
Transfer or implantation?
The Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is the process in which an embryologist thaws a frozen embryo, and then a reproductive endocrinologist places it into the receiving mother’s uterus. Completing a transfer does not guarantee that the embryo will implant.
Implantation occurs after the FET, and is the stage at which the embryo attaches itself to the uterine lining. This marks the beginning of a pregnancy.
Surrogate or Gestational Carrier?
Families wishing to grow their family through embryo adoption, donation, or IVF may utilize the services of a gestational carrier if the intended mother cannot or does not want to carry a pregnancy. A gestational carrier is not genetically related to the child in any way. An embryo that has been created through IVF is transferred to a gestational carrier, who carries the pregnancy and gives birth to the child.
A traditional surrogate is genetically related to the child that she carries and births. In traditional surrogacy, pregnancy is achieved through IUI—meaning that the child is the result of the surrogate’s egg and the intended father’s sperm or donor sperm.
It is important to know and use the correct terms for your embryo adoption or donation process in order to ensure clear communication—but don’t stress if there’s a learning curve. Your medical team and adoption professionals are there to help you along the way!
To learn more about embryo donation and adoption, visit EmbryoAdoption.org.
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