What Is Embryo Adoption?

Embryo adoption is the process of transferring an embryo from a family or bank to another family.

In this article you will find information on what embryo adoption is how it works, and how you can have a child through embryo adoption.

Choosing embryo adoption and surrogacy means that you can fulfill your dreams of family even if you have low chances of pregnancy and few or no embryos. When you have embryos ready, you can get connected to a surrogate in as little as 1 - 6 months.

Find embryo adoption agencies here.

What is Embryo Adoption?

Embryo adoption refers to the process where embryos that were created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) by a couple or individual are transferred to another family.

In this process, the “adoptive” parents receive legal custody and rights over the embryos, with the intent of implanting them in the uterus and carrying a baby to term.

While embryo adoption is called “adoption,” this process is not governed by the same legal processes as adoption for children.

How Is Embryo Adoption Different from Embryo Donation?

Embryo adoption and embryo donation are two names for the same process. The phrase “embryo adoption” was coined by a Christian adoption agency, but embryos cannot be “adopted” through adoption laws in the United States. Instead embryos have varying laws from state to state about transferring custody and ownership.

Agencies that use the term “embryo adoption” are generally more likely to treat the process of getting embryos more like an adoption, sometimes requiring home studies or other steps before families are approved to receive embryos, even though this is not legally required.

How Does Embryo Adoption Work?

Here are some of the basics of embryo adoption:

Finding Embryos

You can find donated embryos by connecting with individuals who want to donate their embryos, through fertility clinics, or through embryo donation/embryo adoption agencies.

Screening

While it is not legally required, some embryo adoption agencies will require you to get screenings like a home study and background check.

Matching and Legal Process

If you connect with an embryo donation agency, you will often be able to look through information about the families and embryos before you choose an embryo to adopt. Then you will complete legal steps to gain custody of the embryos you intend to transfer to the uterus.

What are Embryo Adoption Agencies?

Embryo adoption agencies connect families who have extra embryos and families who need embryos and handle the transfer of embryos between families. You can find embryo adoption agencies here.

Why Choose Embryo Adoption?

The biggest reason to choose embryo adoption is that it can allow you to achieve pregnancy and have a baby.

People choose embryo adoption for a variety of reasons, including:

• Unsuccessful IVF attempts with their own embryos
• Lack of sperm/eggs available to create embryos
• To avoid additional costs of creating embryos
• To avoid passing on genetic conditions
• To reduce the number of embryos sitting in storage or being discarded
• Long waiting times for infant adoption

How Much Does Adopting Embryos Cost?

Embryo donation can cost between $5000-$15,000, which includes things like shipping the embryos, cryostorage, legal fees, and agency fees.

 in many cases, it is less expensive to get embryos from a donor than than creating embryos from gametes due to the higher medical costs.

Legal Considerations of Embryo Adoption

Embryo adoption laws vary widely from state to state and can change depending on new legislation or legislative decisions. Here are some legal considerations to be aware of if you are considering embryo adoption:

• Parentage Law: Legal determination of parentage often requires contracts and there may be additional steps after birth depending on your state to become legal parents of your baby.
• Anonymity: Some embryo donations are anonymous and some have genetic parents listed. As you consider embryo donation, you may want to consider things like access to medical records and whether you will want to contact the donors in the future.

You should always seek out a local legal professional if you have questions about embryo adoption in your area. When you contact a surrogacy professional, you can get connected to the legal help you will need throughout the process.

How Long Does It Take to Adopt an Embryo?

You can expect embryo adoption to take a few months up to a year. There are embryos available for adoption right now, but finding the right agency or clinic, finding the donated embryos, completing the legal steps, and having the embryos transferred from another location can add to your timeline.

Can I Do Embryo Adoption and Surrogacy?

Yes, you can adopt an embryo and pursue surrogacy. If you choose embryo adoption and surrogacy, you can have the family you dream of even if you are unable to carry a pregnancy.

You can find a surrogate in as little as 1 - 6 months when you work with a great surrogacy agency. View available surrogates here, or contact a surrogacy professional to get connected to a surrogate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in embryo adoption?

In embryo adoption, an embryo that has been created and stored is given to another family to help achieve pregnancy.

What is the difference between IVF and embryo adoption?

IVF or In Vitro Fertilization is the process of transferring an embryo to the uterus, while embryo adoption is the process of transferring embryos from one family to another.

Is embryo adoption surrogacy?

Embryo adoption and surrogacy are separate processes, but they can work together for families who are unable to carry a pregnancy themselves and are unable to create embryos themselves.

Is embryo adoption cheaper than IVF?

Embryo adoption can be less expensive than creating embryos yourself for IVF depending on your circumstances. One of the biggest factors is whether your insurance will cover IVF treatments.