We often hear about having IVF with donor sperm, or a donor egg, but have you heard about embryo adoption?

We turned to the team at the Lister Fertility Clinic and asked them to help us understand more about this path to parenthood.

Can you tell us what embryo adoption is?

Embryo adoption, also known as embryo donation, is a process in assisted reproductive technology where couples or individuals adopt frozen embryos that were created by another couple during the IVF process.

Who is this for?

This could be a viable option when both partners face a significant hereditary condition, potentially affecting their offspring. Single women, desiring to have a child, might consider embryo donation particularly if their own eggs are unsuitable, or couples who need egg and sperm donation.

Why would a single woman choose a donor sperm and a donor egg if there is the option to keep the process simple and with a donated embryo?

Personal Preferences: Some individuals may have specific preferences for selecting the genetic characteristics of both the egg and the sperm donor. Choosing both donors independently allows for a more personalised selection process, considering factors such as physical traits, ethnic background, and other characteristics.

Genetic Connection: Using a donor egg and donor sperm separately allows the woman to have a genetic connection with the child. This can be important for those who desire a biological link to their offspring.

Medical Considerations: In some cases, a woman may have specific medical conditions that make using her own eggs impractical or unfeasible. Opting for both donor sperm and donor eggs can provide an alternative way to achieve pregnancy.

Flexibility in Timing: Using donated embryos often involves a waiting period to find a suitable match. Choosing donor sperm and donor eggs separately may offer more flexibility in terms of timing and may not be subject to the same waiting list constraints.

Embryo Quality: Donated embryos are typically frozen at the blastocyst stage of development, and the quality of embryos can vary. In some cases, donated embryos have been genetically tested too.

What is the success rate for embryo adoption?

The success rates for each treatment cycle involving donor embryos generally surpass those of conventional IVF across all age brackets. Donor embryos typically originate from a donor egg (aged 35 or under) and donor sperm (aged 45 or under).

What is the process?

Decision and Approval: Once you and your doctor agree that using donated embryos is suitable, your clinic may place you on a waiting list for a donor. The clinic strives to match donors’ physical characteristics as closely as possible to yours and your partner’s (if applicable). At the Lister Fertility Clinic there is a limited number of donor embryos available so the waiting times may vary depending on matching suitability.

Donor Selection and Screening: An embryo donor is carefully chosen and screened to ensure a clean bill of health. They have to complete screenings as per HFEA guidelines for egg and sperm donation, these includes viral and sexually transmitted infections as well genetic screening tests.

Embryo Status: The donated embryos are retrieved from frozen storage, where they were previously preserved.

Preparation for Transfer:  At the Lister the intended mother will be informed of any tests required prior to starting the treatment. A pre-medication ultrasound is carried out to rule out cysts or structural issues. Following that the intended mother will have further ultrasound scans to identify the optimal point in her cycle for embryo transfer. Medication may also be administered to prepare the lining of her endometrium.

Transfer Day: On the day of transfer, the thawed embryo/s are transferred to the uterus.

How does the couple or individual choose the embryo?

The process of choosing a donated embryo typically involves a matching process facilitated by a fertility clinic or an embryo adoption agency. Here are the general steps involved in the selection of a donated embryo:

Profile Matching: A profile is made for both the embryo donors and the potential recipients, information includes, physical characteristics, such as: ethnicity; eye colour; hair colour; skin tone; height, also their preferences/ values, and sometimes, relevant medical history. This information helps in finding a match that aligns together.

Reviewing Profiles: The profiles of potential donors are reviewed by the recipient/s. This may include details such as physical characteristics, educational background, hobbies and interest and any medical history.

Medical Compatibility: Medical considerations play a crucial role. The fertility clinic or agency ensures that the health and medical history of the donors align with the medical needs and history of the recipients. This is done to increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy and a healthy outcome.

Legal Agreements: Once a match is identified, the recipients will complete necessary medical legal consent forms for the embryo adoption. This may include issues related to parental rights and responsibilities.

Counselling: Some clinics or agencies may require counselling sessions for both the donating and adopting parties. These sessions can help individuals and couples understand the emotional, psychological and legal aspects of embryo donation or adoption and ensure that they are well-prepared for the process. At the Lister Clinic it is a requirement for all donors and recipients.

Consent: Both parties provide consent for the embryo adoption to proceed. This may involve signing legal documents and medical consent forms.

It’s important to note that the specific details of the matching process can vary depending on the policies of the fertility clinic or embryo adoption agency involved. Open communication and collaboration between the donating and adopting parties, as well as careful consideration of medical and personal preferences, are key aspects of the embryo adoption process.

Is the embryo donor anonymous?

The anonymity of the embryo donor in embryo donation can vary based on the policies of the fertility clinic or embryo adoption agency involved. In some cases, donors may choose to remain anonymous, and their identifying information is not disclosed to the recipients. This is often be referred to as a closed or anonymous donation. At the Lister Fertility Clinic embryo donors will be registered with the HFEA so the donors will be identifiable to the donor conceived child when they reach the age of 18 (if the young person wishes to find out)

However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend toward more openness and transparency in assisted reproductive technologies, including embryo donation. Some programs now offer options for varying degrees of openness, allowing donors and recipients to decide the level of contact or information exchange they are comfortable with.

These options may include:

Anonymous Donation: The donors remain completely anonymous, and there is no contact or exchange of identifying information between the donors and recipients.

Semi-Open Donation: Some programs facilitate limited, non-identifying communication between the donors and recipients. This may involve the exchange of basic information or updates through the clinic or agency without revealing specific identifying details.

Open Donation: In open donation, there is direct communication and potential ongoing contact between the donors and recipients. This can include sharing identifying information and, in some cases, establishing a relationship between the families involved.

The level of openness is typically agreed upon through legal contracts and consents, and it is important for all parties to have a clear understanding of the terms before proceeding with embryo donation. The choice between anonymous, semi-open, or open donation often depends on the preferences of the individuals or couples involved and the policies of the specific fertility clinic or agency facilitating the process.

If you would like more information about embryo donation, please contact the Lister Fertility Clinic team at info@lfclinic.com

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