The Basics of Embryo Adoption

Heard about embryo adoption? Well, this concept is actually pretty new. It is believed to have originated from the advent of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedure commonly known as in-vitro fertilization or IVF, which involves the removal of eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them outside of the woman’s body with the intent of conceiving new life.

Patterned from the concept of IVF, the embryo adoption is identified as a process of adopting embryos that are frozen and transferred to the woman’s womb for her to conceive. The adopting families who usually consider this process are either anonymous or be known to the donors.

The Mechanics of Embryo Adoption

There are two main types of embryos available for adoption: the existing embryos and the made to order embryos. In each of these types, the procedure largely differs. In the part of existing embryos, the mechanics involved here is that on the eve of IVF treatments, the couples may produce embryos with the hope to conceive. The embryos are then placed in cold storage for use. This process is highly needed and is technically known as cryopreserved. If for instance the couple conceives without the use of all embryos stored for use, the couple has the option to destroy or donate the embryos for research or implantation. The stored embryos may also be made available for adoption, and this is where the concept of embryo adoption comes in.

When it comes to the made to order embryos, numerous studies have noted that the embryos can be created alternatively with the use of egg and sperm cells from the selecte donors. Note that in made to order embryo adoption, the donors are chosen on the basis of the criteria set by the adopting parents.

The Requirements

The requirement needed for the embryo adoption is pretty simple and straightforward. All is needed is a couple who are of good health. The adopting mothers must only need to be physically capable of carrying a child to term. She must not smoke during the application process, or during pregnancy. But, usually the highest preference for embryo adoption will be given to couples who have no biological children.

The Advantages and Disadvantages

Just like the other medical and scientific procedures, the embryo adoption has its own advantages and disadvantages. Perhaps one of the pros is that in embryo adoption, the genetic parents of the embryos are actually matched with the adopting parents. In this sense, the genetic family will know exactly the family that they have chosen to parent their child. Aside from that, the adopting parents may have a chance to build a relationship with the genetic family of their baby. In addition, the couple can choose embryos, and can control what your child eats and is able to give birth, which is but the main aim of embryo adoption.

On the other hand, there are a number of complications associated with embryo adoption. There is a great possibility that your child may be born with a deformity. Aside from this, the adopting parents can’t choose the child by gender. The adopting mothers can get to be pregnant, but there’s no assurance of them for having a child.