The use of donor embryos is increasing as couples complete their IVF treatment and decide to donate their remaining embryos to another couple or person.
Generally donors have completed their own family and wish to donate their remaining embryos to others. Embryo donation may be either Recipient Recruited (donor and recipient are known to each other) or Clinic Recruited (donor is provided by the clinic and their identity is unknown to the recipient).
Who Can Be An Embryo Donor?
Couples completing IVF treatment are often faced with the decision about what to do with their remaining frozen embryo(s). These donors generally give a variety of reasons for deciding to donate, including:
- Not wanting to waste the embryo(s)
- Believing it is ethically preferable to donate rather than dispose of embryos
- Feeling compassion for couples struggling with fertility
Embryo Donor Process
Donors are required to attend at least 2 counselling sessions to discuss the implications of donating their embryo(s) and sign consent to donate embryo(s).
Prior to being accepted as a donor they are required to undergo screening blood tests for infectious diseases and some genetic conditions. Donors are also required to complete a Genetic Health Questionnaire and Donor Information form.
In instances where a family history of a genetic condition is indicated on the Genetic Health Questionnaire, the form is reviewed by our Geneticist who assesses the suitability of the donor. Only donors who are deemed suitable by our Geneticist and IVF Fertility Specialist responsible for the Melbourne IVF Donor Embryo Program are offered for allocation.
A counsellor will contact you to advise of a potential allocation and the sending out of the recipient’s non-identifying information.
Who Can Be An Embryo Recipient?
Recipients are placed on the donor embryo waiting list after referral by their Melbourne IVF Fertility Specialist or Counsellor. Women must be 45 years of age or younger to be placed on the list and will be removed from the list once they reach 46 years of age if allocation has not occurred.
Recipients on the waiting list will only be asked to commence the process to be considered for allocation of donor embryos once they have completed their own treatment this includes the use of an egg donor and any frozen embryos. Recipients generally expect to be on the waiting list for at least 12 months: however this may vary considerably depending on the availability of embryos.
Once registered on the waiting list, 3 monthly contact must be maintained with the Donor Embryo Administrator to indicate ongoing interest in remaining on the list. Failure to do so will result in removal from the waiting list.
Process for the Recipient of Donor Embryo(s)
When nearing the top of the waiting list for allocation you will be advised by the Donor Embryo Administrator to schedule at least 2 counselling appointments to discuss the social, legal and emotional implications of being a recipient of donor embryo(s) and sign the appropriate consent form. You will also be required to attend to screening blood tests.
Once the consent form and screening blood tests are completed, reviewed and cleared by the Melbourne IVF doctor responsible for the Donor Embryo Program, you will be considered for allocation of donor embryo(s).
A counsellor will contact you to advise of a potential allocation and the sending out of the donor’s profile.
For further information regarding Melbourne IVF's donor embryo program please contact (03) 9473 4401.