Embryo Adoption

We put our names on the embryo donor list in June of 2019. On November 23^rd, 2020, I got a phone call from the clinic. We were finally next on the list. During that year and a half, I wondered if we would be ready when the time arrived. All my doubts vanished when we got the call. I couldn’t wait to start the process. 

So, what does the embryo donor process entail? 

1. Initial appointment with the doctor. This is to go over the required tests and lab work, as well as to discuss the selection and transfer process. 

2. A meeting with the clinic psychologist. All people going through the embryo adoption process are required to talk with the psychologist. The decision to carry, give birth to, and raise a donor baby comes with a lot of feelings, emotions, and questions. The psychologist presented us with questions to think about, resources, and support for our upcoming transfer. 

3. Updated HSG, bloodwork, and ultrasounds. An HSG must be completed within a year of an IVF or frozen embryo transfer. The ultrasound is to measure the uterine lining and check for fibroids, polyps, and cysts.  

4. Both Dustin and I were required to have a criminal record and vulnerable sector check from the police. 

5. Home study with a Social Worker. Typically, the social worker comes to your home for the meeting, but because of COVID, our meeting was through Zoom.  The purpose of the home study was to examine our personalities, our relationship with one another, our upbringing, how we resolve conflict, what we enjoy doing together, how we support each other, how we interact with friends and family, and what our parenting styles would be. They also look at whether you have a suitable home, neighborhood, and lifestyle to raise a child. It was a great exercise in communication and helped us learn even more about each other. I think it would be valuable for anyone having children to go through this process. 

6. Choosing embryos. Part of the home study is filling out a questionnaire on your ethnicity, physical characteristics, personality traits, and family history. Donors provide information such as family medical history, number of children born, and physical traits. The clinic chooses several embryo donors who have similar ethnicity and physical characteristics to the recipients. Embryo adopters then choose which donor they would like to use. 

7. Once the steps listed above are complete, a new medication cycle is started to prepare for the transfer of a frozen embryo. 

It took from January to April to complete everything listed above. There is so much detail it was hard to narrow down what to share. This is just a brief overview of the donor process. If anyone reading has specific questions or wants to know more, please feel free to send me a message. I’m happy to share our experience of this unique process.