Embryo Donation & Adoption

What is embryo adoption?

In the United States there are an estimated 500,000 human embryos in frozen storage. These embryos were created by couples pursuing pregnancy via in vitro fertilization.

After these couples have completed their family building and must determine what to do with their remaining embryos. Keep them frozen? Donate them to science? Discard them? Or entrust them to another couple struggling with infertility?

The actual process of embryo donation and adoption is governed by contract law in the United States. Several adoption agencies and clinics have chosen to wrap the process in the safeguards of established adoption practices. This protects you, the child, and the donor family.

At this time Sunny Ridge can provide home studies and post adoption services for couples in Illinois and Indiana who are hoping to build their family through embryo donation and adoption. Download brochure.

How Does Embryo Donation and Adoption Work?
Couples who have embryos in frozen storage choose to donate them to another family. This choice gives hope to another family pursuing their dream of having children.

This donation can be made anonymously or in an open arrangement. In an open adoption, the donating and adopting families agree upon the match. The level of openness between the families is also determined by the families themselves.

How do we get started?
For more information, contact Becky MacDougall at (630) 754-4522, or attend an upcoming Adoption Information Meeting. You can also visit www.embryoadoption.org for lists of agencies and clinics who have donation and adoption programs.