The subject of embryo adoption has been getting a lot of attention lately, as a result of the debate about embryonic stem cell research. The debate about what to do with all the embryos in freezers in fertility clinics around the country rages on.
One solution that is offered can actually help couples experiencing infertility issues. Embryos are often put up for adoption as a result of another couple’s infertility treatments. Sometimes a couple gets pregnant and has too many embryos left over. These sit in a freezer in a fertility clinic. If the couple decides they are done having children, they may allow other couples to adopt the embryos.
Embryo adoption is a good choice for the adoptive couple for a variety of reasons. Some women want to have the experience of getting pregnant and delivering a baby. Embryo adoption allows these women to achieve this goal. An older couple may choose to adopt embryos as a result of age limits placed on traditional adoption. In addition, embryo adoption is much less expensive than traditional adoption.
There is no standard procedure for embryo adoptions. Some states have no regulations, since state law says that the woman who carries and delivers the baby is the mother. Other states are beginning to write legislation specific to the adoption of embryos. Most fertility clinics will insist on a legal agreement between the genetic and adoptive parents.
Embryo adoptions can be either open or closed, as with traditional adoptions. In open embryo adoption, the genetic parents have a say in choosing the couple who will adopt the embryos. In closed adoptions, the only information given to the adoptive parents is the current medical history of the genetic parents.
Some embryo adoption programs have requirements that are similar to those used in traditional adoptions. You may have to have a home study to evaluate you and your home. The genetic parents will have to sign papers relinquishing all rights to the embryos prior to the transfer. All programs will require a letter from your doctor stating that you are physically able to carry the baby to term.
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