A different way to build a family.

A life-honoring solution.

 

For many decades, Bethany has provided support, comfort, and family-building options to couples facing infertility. We understand the heartache of infertility as well as the joy that follows parenthood, whether through adoption or medical intervention. We help facilitate embryo donations through our sister organization, the National Fertility Support Center.

Many couples have been blessed with a child through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Often couples who have finished building their family through IVF are left with cryopreserved (frozen) embryos. About 400,000 human embryos are currently in cryopreservation in the United States. Couples must decide what to do with these remaining embryos. They can choose to have them destroyed, donate them to research, or donate them to another infertile couple.

Embryo donation is a unique medical intervention with specialized legal requirements and relationship considerations that are best addressed and served by experts that specialize in all areas of the embryo donation and donor conception process. 

Bethany partners with National Fertility Support Center whose staff has experience working with hundreds of embryo donors and recipients along with medical clinics around the country.

For more information go to www.fertilitysupportcenter.org.

Embryo adoptionWhen you begin the process, an embryo specialist will:

  • Assist you with a preliminary application and medical evaluation
  • Provide training and education about all aspects of the embryo process
  • Help you evaluate what type of Home Study best suits your plans
  • Assist you in completing an openness plan and family profile
  • Connect with Bethany to complete the home study assessment that best compliments your individualized family building plan

 

As you navigate this process, an embryo specialist at the National Fertility Support Center will:

  • Help you find the right donor match
  • Complete legal release process
  • Coordinate the medical exchange process needed before transfer occurs
  • Provide support as you receive your embryos and continue your journey to parenthood

Stepping Stones:

Our Stepping Stones ministry provides resources and support to couples struggling with infertility.
 

First Steps:

Contact the National Fertility Support Center to begin the process

 

Supporting couples who wish to donate embryos

The National Fertility Support Center will support you through the donation process, provide education and counseling, help with the legal process, help with the selection of a recipient family, and provide post-transfer support. As a donor, you may choose the recipient family and the type of long-term communication plan, from open to confidential, that is the best fit. Your preference is our first priority.

Requirements for recipient couples:

Bethany is currently working with families who have had an infertility diagnosis. As the recipient mother, you will be assessed to determine that you are healthy and physically able to undergo medical preparation and transfer procedures. As a couple, you will participate in training and complete a home study assessment that compliments your embryo donation family building plan.

Supporting couples through this process:

The transfer of embryos from one couple to another is governed by contract law rather than by adoption law. It is not legally considered an adoption. However, we recommend many similar steps as the traditional adoption model to ensure the best outcome for all parties. This includes counseling and preparation, a Home Study, and ongoing support through our post-adoption services.

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