Meet Michel Janse, a 26-year-old residing in San Diego who has shared the discovery of her IVF origins on TikTok
Here’s what she had to say….
During a family dinner, my dad unintentionally revealed that I was conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), without my mom’s prior knowledge or permission. It took me by surprise, and I was left grappling with the meaning behind this revelation.
Family Secrets and Sibling Connections
My mom, trying to ease the situation, admitted that they had kept it a secret to spare me any feelings of being different. However, I couldn’t bear the weight of this secret alone and shared it with my younger sister. Surprisingly, we both found it fascinating and viewed it as a testament to the wonders of science. We often joked about being from the same “batch” of embryos.
Embracing the IVF Identity
Growing up, being an IVF child had no impact on my sense of self. It perplexed me why my parents chose to keep it confidential until I learned that certain Christian communities held reservations about IVF due to religious beliefs. They believed it was an endeavor that went against their perception of God’s will. Although my parents, themselves Christians, disagreed with this viewpoint, they opted not to broadcast their fertility struggles and subsequent IVF journey.
Fears and Curiosities
As I approached marriage at the age of 21, concerns about my own fertility began to arise. To alleviate these worries, I underwent fertility testing, which reassured me that conceiving would not be an issue. However, the thought lingered in my mind about the possibility of serving as a surrogate for one of my parents’ remaining frozen embryos. While this idea remained more of a passing ponderance, it intrigued me to contemplate being a surrogate for my own sibling.
Sharing My Story on TikTok
Recently, as I prepare to embark on a new chapter with my upcoming marriage at 26, the topic of pregnancy and infertility resurfaced in my mind. This prompted me to share my experiences on TikTok. In my video, I discussed the dynamics between my sister and me as typical first and second-born children. Additionally, I explored the concept of potentially being a surrogate for my frozen sibling embryo. Unexpectedly, the video went viral, sparking intense debates and misunderstandings among viewers.
A Catalyst for Change
The viral response opened up profound conversations with my parents regarding the fate of the remaining unused embryos. Through these discussions, my parents have found peace and clarity. They have decided to connect with embryo adoption agencies, offering individuals struggling with infertility the opportunity to experience the joy of parenthood without the financial burdens associated with IVF. For my parents, IVF was the path they took to create our family, and now, they are ready to share their remaining embryos with others.
Embracing the Future and Seeking Connections
As I continue my personal journey, I hold hope for an open adoption, envisioning a day when I can meet my genetic siblings. The curiosity to discover their appearances and personalities is overwhelming. By sharing my story and shedding light on the reality of being an IVF child, I hope to break the taboo surrounding infertility and IVF.
@michel.c.janse thoughts of a grown-up IVF baby hahah
