After completing the in vitro fertilization (IVF) journey, many families find themselves with remaining cryopreserved embryos at Shady Grove Fertility (SGF). As families grow and a patient feels their family is complete, there may come a time when continued embryo storage is no longer necessary.
“At Shady Grove Fertility, patients may choose to store embryos with us indefinitely, but there will likely reach a point where that is no longer the optimal choice for them and their family,” shares Benjamin Harris, M.D., M.P.H., who provides patient care at SGF’s Richmond and Norfolk locations. “We want to make sure all patients are informed and educated about their options for disposition, when the time is right.”
If you’re wondering what to do with your remaining embryos, SGF offers several thoughtful options — including the opportunity to make a profound impact through embryo donation.
Donate embryos to another family
Embryo donation offers a unique change to help another hopeful family achieve their dream of bringing home a baby.
“SGF believes everyone has the right to build their family, which is why we encourage patients to consider embryo donation,” shares Dr. Harris. “This is especially important in the African-American community, where couples seeking Black donor embryos are typically waiting more three years to match. We want to educate our patients about these shortages in the hope it inspires them to consider giving the gift of life.”
How the embryo donation process works:
- SGF partners with Luminary Health Technologies to streamline embryo donation. Donors create de-identified profiles which include information about geographical location, physical characteristics, race, religion, and education.
- Expanded profiles also include information about a donor’s embryos, medical history, personal story, and embryo donation special conditions.
- Potential recipients view these profiles to find the best match.
Interested in donating? Our team will guide you through the embryo donation process.
Donate embryos to science
Donating embryos to Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research (HESC) is an option for patients who would like to aid scientific advancements in finding new ways to treat disease. The powerful instinct to give back to society can make donating to research a rewarding choice. Patients are responsible for finding a study and contacting the research team to explore donation options.
Thaw and discard embryos
For some, choosing to thaw and discard embryos may be the right path. This option includes:
- A member of the IVF laboratory withdrawing your embryos from a liquid nitrogen tank.
- The embryos will thaw without transferring them into culture media, after which they will cease to develop.
- The embryos are then discarded in an ethical and biologically appropriate manner.
Alternatively, patients can bring their embryos home and discard them in a way that is personal and meaningful to them.
“We want our patients to feel empowered to make the best decision for them and their families,” shares Dr. Harris. “We are always here to answer questions and will support our patients throughout the process.” Need guidance?
For all these options, we advise patients to take the time needed to consider what choice is right for them. For more information:
- Log in to your Luminary Health Technologies Cryostorage Billing Portal.
- Contact your SGF clinical team for more personalized support.
Embryo donation has the power to turn hope into reality. If your family is complete, consider giving another family the greatest gift of all – the change to grow theirs.
Medical contribution by Benjamin S. Harris, M.D., M.P.H.
Benjamin S. Harris, M.D., M.P.H., is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI). Dr. Harris is passionate about educating patients and helping them understand the concepts underlying their unique set of reproductive circumstances.
