With advances in medical technology, many infertile couples are now able to have biological children through procedures, such as IVF and ICSI. While these procedures are wonderful, an unintended result has developed – leftover embryos. Up until recently, a couple had 3 decisions regarding what to do with their embryos:
1) Destroy the embryos.
2) Keep the embryos frozen indefinitely.
3) Donate the embryos to research.
These choices did not sit well with many people. They felt like embryos were babies just waiting to be born.
Over the past five years, another option has developed for these embryos – adoption! Embryo adoption is similiar to U.S. infant adoption. The genetic parents select the adoptive parents from a list of profiles. There are varying degrees of openness, from photos and letters to actual meetings. The biggest difference between traditional U.S. infant adoption and embryo adoption is the pregnancy experience. The adoptive mother is able to experience the embryo grow into a baby and then deliver the baby. She also controls the prenatal environment. This gives adoptive parents a sense of peace as they do not have to worry about the baby being exposed to drugs and alcohol.
There are risks involved with embryo adoption. The number one risk is a very emotional one. The adopted embryo may not implant in the adoptive mother’s uterus and grow into a baby. If you have experienced pregnancy losses or adoption disruptions, consider this risk with embryo adoption. According to embryoadoption.org, the current pregnancy success rate with embryo adoption is 35%. This rate varies with clinics, age of the genetic parents, and health of the adoptive mother.
The second risk is the financial risk. Most health insurances do not cover the initial cost of embryo adoption, like embryo transfer, storage fees, and medications. Once pregnancy is achieved, then the adoptive mother’s health insurance will cover the normal expenses of pregnancy.
The last risk that I am going to discuss is the risk of multiple babies. Because embryo adoption involves advanced medical procedures, adoptive parents need to be comfortable with a pregancy of 2 or 3 babies. This is vastly different than adopting one child as is common in U.S. infant adoption. Multiple babies means a higher rate of premature labor and delivery. Multiple babies turn into teenagers and require cars, college, vacations, etc.
Like any adoption, there are many risks and rewards. Consider each as you make your decision and rejoice when your child finally comes home with you!
