Intended Parents

How to Find Donated Embryos for Surrogacy


For hopeful parents pursuing surrogacy, finding donated embryos offers an accessible, alternative pathway to becoming a family.

If you’re considering surrogacy and want guidance on finding embryo donation resources, reach out to us to learn more about reputable embryo donor programs.

This article provides a roadmap for how to find donated embryos, including:

  • Options through fertility clinics

  • Embryo donation programs and their costs

  • Embryo banks

  • Choosing the right donor match

    Where to Get Donated Embryos

    1. Fertility Clinics with Embryo Donation Programs

    Fertility clinics often have in-house embryo donation programs that facilitate embryo transfers to qualified recipients. This can be a streamlined route to finding donated embryos, as clinics handle the medical and legal aspects of the donation. Many clinics offer matching options based on appearance, ethnicity, lifestyle and other preferences to ensure compatibility.

    Some leading programs, like those at Shady Grove Fertility, provide detailed embryo donation listings, helping you make the best choice for your situation. Fertility clinics are also transparent about their embryo donation costs, letting you budget accordingly.

    If you’re interested in locating embryos through a fertility clinic, check out this resource about clinic options that could be right for you.

    2. Embryo Donation Agencies

    Embryo donation agencies maintain extensive embryo donation listings, which function similarly to traditional donor egg or sperm banks. These listings may allow you to browse donor profiles based on physical characteristics, family medical history, lifestyle, religion, and more.

    These banks often charge a service fee for embryo acquisition and coordination, which may be higher than nonprofit options but can offer more tailored matching options. Below are some embryo donation agencies you can explore:

    3. Embryo Adoption Agencies

    Nonprofit organizations specialize in connecting hopeful parents with donated embryos from families who have completed their IVF cycles and chosen to donate remaining embryos. These programs often focus on altruistic donation, which may reduce costs compared to private embryo banks.

    Organizations like the National Embryo Donation Center (NEDC) provide online embryo donation listings, allowing prospective parents to review options and choose donors that align with their values. These programs are generally more affordable, though requirements and waiting times may vary.

    4. Classified Listings and Online Forums

    For those who prefer a more direct search, online embryo donation classifieds and fertility forums are available, though these routes should be approached cautiously.

    Listings on reputable sites may allow you to connect directly with embryo donors, but be aware that legal and medical steps should be taken carefully. For support, consider reaching out to a consultant to ensure a safe and secure process.

    Choosing an Embryo Donor
    • Appearance and Physical Traits

      Many families prioritize physical resemblance, seeking donors with similar appearance, eye color, or build.

    • Race and Ethnicity

      Some families look for embryos that align with their ethnic background, which can be a consideration for cultural compatibility.

    • Religion and Lifestyle

      Religion or lifestyle factors may also influence choices, especially for families with specific beliefs or values.

      Each of these preferences is available across clinics, nonprofit programs, and embryo banks, allowing intended parents to find a compatible match.

      Reach out to us if you’re exploring donor options and need guidance on what might be right for you.

      Costs of Embryo Donation

      Understanding the financial aspects of embryo donation is essential. While costs can vary based on the provider, here’s a general overview:

      • Fertility Clinics: Embryo donation through fertility clinics may range from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on medical and administrative fees.
      • Nonprofit Donation Programs: These are often more affordable, with costs between $2,000 and $5,000, as they focus on facilitating embryo donation altruistically.
      • Embryo Banks: Banks and private programs may have higher fees, often starting at $10,000. However, they typically offer more in-depth donor information, such as family health history and genetic details.

      Costs may include storage, legal fees, medical screenings and other associated fees, so it’s important to confirm what’s included before making your decision.

      How Difficult Is It to Get an Embryo Donation?

      While embryo donation is becoming more common, the process can vary in difficulty based on several factors:

      Most families find success by exploring multiple programs and being open to different matching options.

      Embryo donation can offer an exciting pathway to building your family, whether through surrogacy or direct embryo adoption. By exploring clinics, nonprofits and banks, you can find donated embryos that align with your values and goals.

      If you’re considering surrogacy and embryo donation, we’re here to provide the support and information you need for a confident start. Reach out today to get recommendations for donor programs that can help create the family you’ve always dreamed of.

      Male and Female couple smiling with surrogate mother
      Is Surrogacy Right For Me?

      Take our 2 minute quiz to find out

      Get Started