What is gamete or embryo donation?
Gamete and embryo donation is using eggs, sperm, or embryos from someone else in order to help an intended parent(s) have a child. Intended parent is the term used for the person(s) who will raise the child(ren).
Why would this be done?
Gamete or embryo donation makes it possible to have a child when one or both partners are not able to provide their own sperm, eggs, or embryos. Egg or sperm donation allows one of the intended parents to keep the genetic link to the child. With egg donation, the intended parent is able to experience a biological connection to the child through the pregnancy. With embryo donation, there is no genetic link. However, the intended parents are able to experience pregnancy and birth.
Some people use donated gametes or embryos because of medical issues, such as no or poor quality eggs or sperm. Some use donation so they do not risk passing down genetic disorders to their children. Donations can also be used for social reasons such as same-sex couples or for single men or women.
Where do the donated materials come from?
Donors can be known to the intended parents, introduced through a reproductive center or donor agency/bank, or anonymous. Sperm, egg, and embryo donation all have different protocols for counseling, screening, and evaluation.
What is involved in gamete or embryo donation?
There are 3 major aspects of any type of donation:
Medical
The medical team is responsible for testing and screening of both the recipients and donors. This should include a medical history, testing for sexually transmitted infections, physical exam, and an evaluation for potential genetic risks.
Legal
Legal agreements should be drawn up so that both donors and recipients understand their obligations, roles, and expectations. This can include financial responsibilities, plans for future contact, and other arrangements. Laws vary from state to state and country to country. It is important to understand the laws about parentage that will apply in each case for both donor and recipient.
Psychological
Psychological consultation is critical to the long-term health and well-being of the child, the recipients, and the donors. Donation can be an emotional experience for everyone involved; preparing for this experience with counseling can be very helpful.
Donors must be evaluated for their mental status and ability to make an informed decision about the donation. They need to understand the possible long-term effects of the process and explore the underlying motivations about their decision to donate.
Intended parents benefit from exploring any concerns and their feelings about having a child with someone else’s genetic material. This is the time to decide about when, how, what, to whom, and if to disclose. In situations where donors and recipients know each other, contact arrangements can be agreed upon. This can help avoid unmet expectations or disappointments in the future.
Key considerations:
— Consult with our specialists at Journey to Parenthood Consult where we are qualified and experienced.
— Use legal counsel that is well-versed in reproductive law in locations where both the donor and recipients reside.
— Work with a mental health professional who is experienced and familiar with the issues of third-party family-building.
— Consider if, when, what, and how to tell the child and others.
Summary
Egg, sperm, or embryo donation can be an effective option for those struggling with fertility. With appropriate medical, legal, and psychological preparation, gamete or embryo donation can help build families and provide a rewarding experience for all involved.
