donorembryo

A donor embryo is an embryo created via in vitro fertilization from gametes donated by one or more individuals and subsequently donated for transfer to a recipient. Surplus embryos stored by fertility clinics are donated by their original owners to help others conceive.

Recipients undergo medical evaluation and must sign consent agreements regarding anonymity and future contact, if allowed. Embryos are selected based on quality and the donor history, and then thawed and transferred into the recipient’s uterus using standard IVF procedures.

Legal and ethical frameworks vary by jurisdiction. Some programs permit anonymous donation, others preserve the right of donor-conceived individuals to obtain information or contact donors. Ownership and disposition of donated embryos are governed by contracts and applicable law, with some families seeking counseling on disclosure and family-building plans.

Advantages include offering a path to parenthood without IVF using the recipient’s own eggs, potentially shorter wait times, and lower medical risk for the recipient compared with egg donation. Limitations include the absence of a genetic connection to the recipient, uncertainties about genetic risk, and diverse legal and ethical considerations plus the possibility of needing additional cycles.