Embryo adoption can be an alternative path to embryo creation for those who have struggled with IVF using their own genetic material, offering a chance to experience the joys of parenthood.
Knowing the embryo adoption costs and what to expect throughout the process can help you decide how you want to proceed with your IVF and surrogacy journey. With this guide, you’ll be able to get a better idea of how embryo adoption fits into your surrogacy budget.
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What is Embryo Adoption?
Embryo adoption, more commonly known as embryo donation, allows couples to donate their remaining embryos from IVF treatments to others hoping to build their families.
Instead of going through the egg retrieval process, or embryo creation process using a donor egg and/or sperm, couples are able to receive donor embryos for IVF that can be transferred to the intended mother’s uterus, or a surrogate’s uterus.
The term "embryo adoption" was created by a Christian agency and is not regulated by state adoption laws.
Embryo adoption differs from infant adoption legally and procedurally in the following ways:
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There is no revocation period in embryo adoption like there is in infant adoption. In an infant adoption, the revocation period is the amount of time a woman can wait in order to change her mind or cancel the adoption.
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Embryo adoption is typically regulated by the FDA and not state adoption laws.
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Home studies aren’t legally required, but there are embryo adoption agencies that make that a requirement when receiving a donor embryo through their program.
For infertile couples, LGBT+ couples and single individuals who have not had success after multiple IVF attempts, embryo adoption offers a path to parenthood. It allows you to experience pregnancy and childbirth, providing hope and new possibilities.
How Much Does Embryo Adoption Cost?
Embryo adoption costs vary depending on the fertility clinic, embryo adoption agency, or donation center involved. On average, the total cost of embryo adoption can range anywhere from $7,500-$19,500. This option is often less expensive than paying for a full IVF cycle.
$ 2,500 to $ 10,000 for matching services and case management. $ 3,500 to $ 8,000 for pre-transfer assessments, embryo transfers, and medications. $ 500 to $ 1,000 for contracts and legal parentage paperwork. $ 1,500 to $ 3,500 if the agency requires, though not legally necessary.Breakdown of Embryo Adoption Costs
A fertility clinic may charge for document preparation, matching services, embryology and transfer fees, totaling around $2,500 to $4,000 per cycle. Some agencies include additional embryo adoption costs like home studies, treating the process more like traditional adoption.
Using Embryo Adoption in Surrogacy
The embryo donation process varies by clinic or agency, but all must adhere to FDA guidelines, requiring comprehensive donor screening. Many programs offer anonymous donations, keeping the donor's identity confidential while providing their medical history, physical traits, and family background.
Some programs allow for known or direct donations where the donor's identity is known. After matching with a donor and completing necessary paperwork, the surrogate will follow a prescribed fertility medication regimen. The donor embryo is then transferred to her uterus through a simple, minimally invasive procedure.
How Do I Know if Embryo Adoption is Right For Me?
There are many types of people who choose embryo adoption, including couples experiencing infertility, single parents and the LGBTQ+ community. No matter what your situation is, embryo adoption may be an option if you:
Aren't able to create many embryos Don't have any viable embryos Have not had success with previous surrogate embryo transfers using your own embryos Are not able to carry a pregnancy on your own Don't want to pass on a genetic condition You don't have embryos or have run out of embryos and donu2019t want to cover the full cost of IVF
Embryo donation can also benefit people with secondary infertility which are those that have already had a child and are struggling to have another.
How to Afford the Cost of Embryo Adoption
Exploring alternative family-building options can be an investment. In order to help manage cost for embryo adoption, you can explore options such as:
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Partner with clinics that have bundled services.
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Look into shared risk or refund programs.
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Explore grants and financial aid options.
Embryo adoption is a promising and often more affordable alternative to traditional IVF. Understanding the costs and emotional journey involved can help you know what to expect as you begin to build the family of your dreams.
If you want to get a head start on the surrogacy process or need help connecting with a fertility clinic, contact us online now or text us at 913-204-0224 to become an active family today.