Those of you who have gone through in-vitro fertilization will recall the anguish of thinking you may never have children. Hopefully, through reproductive technologies, your anguish has now been replaced with your own child. But now you have frozen embryos in storage. What should you do with these precious beginnings?

Think of the thousands of couples who experience the same anguish of not being able to have children. Many of these couples are hoping and praying to bear children, but they are not candidates for in-vitro fertilization. This is where you can help. The solution is embryo donation.

The National Embryo Donation Center (NEDC) at Knoxville's Baptist Hospital for Women is a non-profit organization assisting both embryo donors and recipients. When couples go through fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization, there is usually an excess of fertilized eggs (embryos) that are cryopreserved - frozen and stored for later use.

1. What is the process?

You will be asked to fill out an application, provide some medical and genetic history, and have some minimal testing. During the process, you may even decide which family will be privileged to adopt your embryos. You may also decide to what degree of contact, if any, you wish to have with the adopting family. During this same time period, you will be instructed to contact and inform the clinic where your frozen embryos are stored that you are donating your embryos to another infertile couple through the NEDC. They will probably require you to sign a medical record release form and a waiver/release of liability form. Once this paperwork is completed, the NEDC can then make arrangements directly with the clinic for the embryos to be shipped to our Center at our cost.

2. Where should I send my embryos for storage and/or donation?

Caution: Some centers that offer to store your embryos might require that you relinquish all control once the embryos are stored. In addition, certain centers will sell your embryos for profit. When you are making a decision regarding your embryos, it is important to carefully research all of the facility's policies completely. The NEDC is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization. We never sell embryos nor do you relinquish rights to your embryos until the time of transfer to a recipient.

3. What is the chance of embryos successfully implanting?

There is a 20-25% chance of pregnancy per transfer. Not all embryos survive the freeze/thaw process, and thawing of your embryos MAY NOT lead to a transfer. However, this still offers the greatest hope for both your frozen embryos and many infertile couples.

4. Is there a cost to me?

There are no fees for the donating/genetic parents. The adopting families cover all costs.

5. Are donors paid for their embryos?

Donors are not paid. However, although the NEDC is a nonprofit entity, couples who request assistance may be reimbursed for some or all of their expenses that were incurred with storage of their embryos.

6. What types of donation are available?

All types - from anonymous to completely open, depending on your desires.

7. Can I decide to whom my embryos will go?

Under your instruction, the embryos will only be given to the adoptive family of your choice. You can choose the couple based on anonymous or non-anonymous information supplied by them. The National Embryo Donation Center reserves the right to place certain restrictions on the adopting parents.

8. Are the adopting couples screened?

Yes, they are screened for infectious diseases, general and reproductive health, and their ability to successfully parent children. The NEDC works with an experienced adoption agency to ensure appropriate screening and to assist you with your decisions.

9. Will I be responsible for my embryos, or have parental rights?

Prior to donation, you will sign a form relinquishing your rights and transferring those rights to the adopting family.

10. Could the children from the embryo donation inadvertently meet their siblings and reproduce?

In our large society, the risk is negligible. Donating your embryos to someone in a different state will further minimize the risk.

11. Do I have any legal liability?

No.

12. What will happen to my embryos if I choose not to donate them?

Should you choose not to donate your embryos, the options are to destroy them in the process of medical research, allow them to thaw and die, or do nothing.

Not making a decision is much the same as making a decision to destroy the embryos. Frozen embryos have a limited life span in storage. They will eventually die. Although you may be struggling with the idea of donating your embryos to another couple, your decision to help others have children is the most caring and compassionate option to choose.

13. How do we get started?

Call the National Embryo Donation Center toll free at 1-866-585-8549. Leave your contact information and we will return your call. We will arrange to get copies of your medical records and schedule an appointment for you to speak with our staff by phone. We will provide you additional information and answer your questions. Don't delay. Give these young lives a chance and provide hope to couples longing for a child.

Please visit our Common Questions page for further information on embryo donation and adoption.