Embryo Adoption: A Step-By-Step Guide

A neurosurgeon? A Broadway actress? An inventor? A teacher? Who knows what the many precious embryos in waiting might become if given a chance at life. Currently, there are more than 400,000 unique embryos, frozen in time, waiting in storage facilities across the US. They are the "leftover" miracles from in vitro fertilization, which has helped thousands of infertile couples. Most embryos will not survive, some will be destroyed. However, a few lucky ones might become the next son or daughter to a loving couple. If you're facing infertility and searching for options to build your family, embryo adoption is a great choice. The adoption process might be full of challenges and heartache, but in the end your little bundle of joy will be worth it. If you're considering embryo adoption, the following steps might help you.

1. Research Embryo Adoption

The first step is to fully educate yourself on the process and issues surrounding it. You can start by reading Embryo Donation and Embryo Adoption: Loving Choices for Christians by John and Sylvia Van Regenmorter. This book discusses both sides of the adoption, and will help you understand the procedures. It admits it is a little biased towards one agency, but it is still a very helpful book.

It is also wise to search online for articles and information. This can provide you with information regards the ethics, challenges and controversies surrounding embryo adoption. Here are some useful articles to read:

"Seeing Them for What They Are"
by Tom Neven

"For the Least of These"
by Tom Neven

"Embryo Adoption: Saving Lives and Building Families"
by Michael Foust

"Survival Tale of An Embryo Called Noah"
by Heather Sells

It is also beneficial to watch videos that discuss embryo adoption such as:

"Couple Tells of Embryo Gift"

There are also several videos on YouTube to watch that tell the stories of families who have adopted frozen embryos.

2. Visit With Adoptive Parents

One of the most valuable steps you can take in making your decision is to meet other parents who have adopted frozen embryos. The internet is the best resource for this. Here are two websites: