Controversial Debate: What To Do With Unused Embryos?

Main Category: Fertility
Article Date: 20 Aug 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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For many infertile couples that undergo In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), the long path to parenthood presents the additional obstacle of what to do with unused embryos. After an already emotionally fueled fertility journey, many couples struggle with the dilemma to either store embryos for future use, donate to another infertile couple or to discard - a decision often impacted by personal or religious beliefs, financial constraints, ethical implications, future family planning prospects and much more.

With Obama recently overturning the ban to use federal funds to support stem-cell research, couples now also have more options to donate their unused embryos to scientific research. Patients with Fertility Centers of Illinois (FCI) that wish to do so can now have their embryos sent to Harvard University for stem cell research with no cost for embryo transport. For those looking to donate their embryos to another couple, FCI is also planning to offer an embryo donation and matching program which will be available to patients October 1st.

Interestingly, a recent study examining patient decisions regarding unused embryos prior to fertility treatment showed that 54% were very likely to use them for reproduction, 21% were very likely to donate to research, 7% were very likely to donate to another couple and 6% were very likely to thaw and dispose of the embryos. However, experts note that this decision often changes after IVF where the majority of people opt to discard their embryos.

To help couples navigate this difficult terrain, Marie Davidson, clinical psychologist with FCI offers the following guidelines:

1. Know Your Options: There are many different options for couples to consider which include storing for future use, discarding (allowing them to thaw and have a natural end) or donating to another family, or to research. It's important to know that not all embryos are acceptable for donation, depending on quality and adherence to FDA regulations.

2. Seek Professional Advice: First, speak with your physician, then to a counselor who is familiar with assisted reproduction. If donation to a family is of interest, talk to an attorney who is skilled in reproductive law. Few states have any law regulating embryo donation and legal risks are unknown.

3. Donate to Science: The advancement of stem cell research and the overturn of the ban to use federal funds for the research have now made this a more viable option. Check with your embryologist for guidance, but also know that some stem cell programs may not accept embryos if they are not the genetic material of both partners.

4. Donate to a Family: When donating to another family, there are important issues to consider. Couples need to decide whether they prefer an anonymous, closed arrangement, or an open donation. With this, there may be contact between the families, and the children (who would be genetic siblings) might meet each other. Regardless of the choice, children may or may not try to meet the family they are genetically connected to. Also, the receiving family may not be able to use all the donated embryos and the destination of unused embryos must be considered.

5. Take Your Time: This is a big decision, and it will take time to come reach your final conclusion. Most importantly, it is crucial for couples to agree on their decision. If necessary, attend more counseling and let time help in decision resolution.

Source
Fertility Centers of Illinois, S.C.

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