If you or someone you know struggles with infertility, one option is to use embryos that have been donated by another PAMF Fertility patient, a process called embryo donation.

We have dedicated specialists to assist you through the process of embryo donation. For more information and to schedule an appointment please contact our Donor Program Coordinator at (800) 597-2234.

Options for Unused Embryos

Parents fortunate enough to complete their families from previous IVF cycles face a complex decision regarding the future of their cryopreserved (frozen) embryos. Each person has a unique outlook on what the term embryo means, so the options may seem difficult. However, storing embryos indefinitely can create a burdensome expense.

PAMF Fertility offers four choices for unused embryos:

1. Donate frozen embryos to someone looking to build a family.
2. Donate frozen embryos for genetic, reproductive, general health and stem cell research, contributing to important medical knowledge that can lead to the development of life-saving therapies.
3. Discard frozen embryos. Embryos are thawed to room temperature to end cell division and embryonic growth, and then discarded in an appropriate manner.
4. Store frozen embryos indefinitely. You may choose to transfer frozen embryos to a long-term cryostorage facility..

We are committed to helping you as you consider what is best. Please contact our Donor Program Coordinator if you would like further information on these options.

Donating Your Embryos

Many people do not have the option of further IVF cycles or other fertility treatments. 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 transfers from donor(s) to recipient(s) once the match is fulfilled. Several steps need to be completed by both the donor(s) and recipient(s) prior to making a match, including a physician consultation and counseling so that all parties are fully informed and in agreement; FDA infectious disease testing; anonymous personal health histories; and a finalized contractual agreement with PAMF Fertility, which will release the donor(s) of all legal, financial and custodial rights, responsibilities or obligations to the embryos.

Cryostorage and Service Fees

Prospective donor(s) are responsible for all embryo cryostorage fees until all of the requirements for embryo donation are met and custody of the embryos is officially transferred to PAMF Fertility by finalization of the Contractual Agreement.

Upon finalization of the Contractual Agreement, recipient(s) of the donated embryos assume all costs associated with screening and preparation for embryo donation. 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) retain responsibility for all costs and continued cryostorage fees.

Becoming an Embryo Recipient

Embryo donation presents a beneficial choice for both donor(s) and recipient(s). For those donating embryos, it is a positive way to resolve a challenging dilemma. For recipients, it can be a wonderful opportunity to experience pregnancy and childbirth.

Using donated embryos may be the right way to build your family if:

• Both partners have infertility challenges.
• Either partner has a high risk of passing on genetic disorders to their offspring.
• Patients have recurrent IVF failures or multiple pregnancy loss.

We’ll work with you to anonymously match you with any embryos available for donation. PAMF Fertility does not turn anyone down because of race, age, marital status, sexual preferences or religion.

To learn more about the embryo donation process and determine if there are embryos eligible for donation, please call (800) 597-2234.

Requirements for Receiving Donated Embryos

Recipients must meet with a PAMF Fertility physician for an embryo donation cycle consultation. Additional requirements include FDA-required infectious disease screening, as well as reproductive tests to determine the best placement location and cycle timing before the actual embryo transfer occurs. Your donor cycle coordinator can explain the necessary steps in detail.

For More on Donated Embryos

While we do offer our own internal embryos for donation, other agencies also offer information on third party reproduction, including:

• Miracles Waiting
• National Embryo Donation Center
• Embryos Alive
• Nightlight Christian Adoptions
• RESOLVE
• American Society of Reproductive Medicine: Reproductive Facts

Embryo donation is an important decision and it is our mission to help as much as possible. To schedule an Embryo Donation Consultation with a PAMF Fertility physician, call (800) 597-2234.