FPNC is aware of the difficult decision many couples face regarding their frozen embryos. We are also aware of just how many of our patients would benefit from embryo donation. You are probably familiar with the distress and difficulties involved in wanting to have a child, when for one reason or another you are not able to on your own. This is why embryo donation is in such great need here at FPNC. Many couples do not have the option of further IVF cycles or other fertility treatments. This may be due to multiple pregnancy losses unrelated to implantation or uterine issues, having had repeated IVF failures, or the risk of transmitting genetic problems to their offspring. Embryo donation can help make the dream of having children come true for those women or couples.
Embryo donation is similar to egg or sperm donation, meaning that ownership of the embryos transfers from donor(s) to recipient(s) once the match has been fulfilled. There are several steps listed below that need to be completed by both the donor(s) and recipient(s) prior to a match being made.
The FPNC embryo donation program requires that a physician consultation, an FDA physical exam, and a psychological evaluation all be done prior to completion of the donation. Our goal is to make sure that all parties are fully informed and in agreement before donating and receiving embryos. The psychological evaluation is required for both the donor and recipient couples to explore feelings and thoughts involved in embryo donation and to make sure there are no hesitations regarding the decision. Donor and recipient matches are made by our experienced physicians who have the ability to make a suitable decision based on first-hand knowledge of each patient’s health and fertility history to assure each match is made with the best care.
The following information will summarize the requirements and policies of our program. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact FPNC directly.
Requirements
The following requirements are in accordance with FPNC protocols and Federal Regulations, which govern cell and tissue donation. Typically, requirements 3, 4, 5, and 6 can be done in one office visit.
- FPNC Physician Consultation
Prior to starting the embryo donation screening process, Donor(s) must have a consultation with an FPNC physician to discuss embryo donation.
- Psychological Consultation
Donor(s) are required to meet with a licensed counselor to discuss the social, emotional and ethical implications of embryo donation.
- FDA Physical Exam
Donor(s) must undergo a complete FDA Physical Exam. Exception: If the embryos were created from an Anonymous Oocyte Donor, the Female Embryo Donor only is exempt from this requirement. If the embryos were created from an Anonymous Sperm Donor, the male Embryo Donor only is exempt from this requirement. If the embryos were created from both an Anonymous Oocyte Donor and an Anonymous Sperm Donor, both Donor(s) are exempt from this requirement. For embryos created through Known Oocyte or Sperm Donations, FPNC must determine potential exceptions on a case by case basis.
- FDA Health History Questionnaire (completed at physical exam)
Donor(s) must complete the FDA Medical History Interview, administered by FPNC. The same exceptions for the FDA Physical Exam requirement are applicable to this requirement.
- FDA Infectious Disease Testing (completed at physical exam)
Donor(s) must complete the FDA Infectious Disease Testing through a FDA approved laboratory designated by FPNC. The same exceptions for the FDA Physical Exam requirement are applicable to this requirement.
- Donor(s) Personal Histories (completed at physical exam)
The Donor(s) will provide an anonymous personal history for each person who contributed genetic material to the embryos. This history will be provided to the Recipient(s) of the donated embryos and any child(ren) who may be conceived from the donated embryos.
- Contractual Agreements
Upon completion of all necessary screening and confirmation that the embryos are eligible for donation, the donor(s) will finalize a contractual agreement with FPNC, which will release the Donor(s) of all legal, financial and custodial rights, responsibilities or obligations to the embryos, from the date the contract is signed and onward.
If your embryos were created using donor eggs, it is not necessary for the female partner to complete the FDA Physical Exam, Health History Questionnaire, Infectious Disease Testing, or Personal History form. Similarly, if the embryos were created using donor sperm, it is not necessary for the male partner to complete the FDA physical or other FDA requirements related to the physical exam. Those particular tests were completed at least 30 days prior to the creation of the embryos and do not need to be repeated according to FDA regulations.
Cryostorage Fees
Prospective Donor(s) will be responsible for all FRHI embryo cryostorage fees until all of the requirements for embryo donation have been met and custody of the embryos has been officially transferred to FPNC by finalization of the Contractual Agreement. Cryostorage is pre-paid annually. Donor(s) must make payment for the next year and a pro-rated refund will be generated for the unused balance at the time of donation.
Financial Liability
Upon finalization of the Contractual Agreement, all costs associated with screening and preparation for embryo donation including, but not limited to, the Physician Consultation, Psychological Consultation, Physical Exam, Laboratory Testing and Legal Counsel will be the responsibility of the Recipient(s) of the donated embryos. However, if the embryos are determined to be ineligible for donation, or if the Donor(s) decide not to move forward with the donation during the screening process, the Donor(s) will be responsible for the cost of any and all services performed pursuant to their participation in the embryo donation program. Also, please see cryostorage fees above.
Embryo donation is a wonderful gift to give a couple or woman who wants a child, but can not have one due to unfortunate circumstances. Although FPNC does not discriminate according to the decision you make about the future of your frozen embryos, we are grateful for your compassion in considering embryo donation as an option.
To learn more about the embryo donation process, please call Shawnda Drier, Embryo Donation Program, (408) 356-5000.
To schedule an Embryo Donation Consultation with an FPNC physician call (408) 356-5000.
For additional information and resources for embryo donation visit RESOLVE (www.resolve.org) and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (www.asrm.org)
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