Sometimes, couples in California need assistance to have a child. Those struggling with infertility have several options. One of them is embryo adoption.
Understanding embryo adoption
Similar to adopting a child, embryo adoption allows a couple or individual to obtain an unused embryo, created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) from a donor. If there is an issue of infertility, the intended mother can carry the embryo after the embryo is implanted directly into her uterus. As a result, this means the adoption process begins earlier, as soon as the embryo is chosen.
How embryo adoption works
There are certain steps necessary for those interested in embryo adoption. A couple decides to donate their unused embryos to couples or individuals who need help having a family. Typically, donors are people who have already successfully undergone IVF and have embryos left over that they don’t need.
Couples or individuals who wish to adopt an embryo usually go through an agency to select one that’s matched to them. The agency includes a variety of services such as counseling and helps with the adoption process and associated costs.
An adoptive home study is often included with embryo adoption. This helps the adoptive parents to understand what’s required when adopting a child and ensure that their home is appropriate for the child.
Embryo adoption involves the matching process, which helps couples or individuals find the right embryo. They might consider factors from the donor such as medical history, race, values and more. In many cases, donors and prospective parents find that they mesh and decide that it’s a good fit.
A contract is completed so that the embryo can be transferred to the adoptive parents. Afterward, the mother undergoes fertility treatments in preparation for frozen embryo transfer, a procedure similar to IVF.