Embryo Donation to Another Couple or Person
Donation and Disposition Options
Deciding to end specimen storage is a personal choice, we’re here to offer insight into the available options.
Donation and Disposition Options
Deciding to end specimen storage is a personal choice, we’re here to offer insight into the available options.
When you are ready to end your long-term cryostorage agreement, Reprotech offers several disposition options. You may choose to ethically thaw and discard your specimens, donate embryos to another person or couple, or contribute embryos to scientific research. Reprotech customers can find helpful educational videos and detailed steps for each option in the Customer Portal under “Discontinue Storage.”
Donation and Disposition Options
Ethically Thaw and Discard
Reprotech provides the option to ethically thaw and discard reproductive tissue at any of our facilities. Many customers choose this path when they feel their family is complete and no longer need their specimens in storage. It is also the most common choice, about 90% of Reprotech customers ultimately decide to discard when making a final disposition decision. There are no legal restrictions on embryo disposition in the states where our facilities are located, and if you are a current Reprotech customer, there is no charge for this service. You can begin this process in the Customer Portal.
Embryo Donation to Another Person or Couple
Another option is to donate embryos to another person or couple who is hoping to build their family. This process can take time, often six months or longer, because agencies will review your cryopreservation records, match you with a recipient, and may request additional screening. Some people choose to remain anonymous during this process, while others prefer a more open approach. Because of the time and care required, donation is not a quick or an expense-free process, but it can be a deeply meaningful option for many families. You can view available programs in the resource link below.
Donation to Scientific Research
Reprotech also offers the option to donate embryos to scientific research. For many, this choice feels like a powerful way to give back. Not all embryos are eligible for research donation, as each facility has its own acceptance criteria. These may include requirements around genetic testing, the use of donor tissue, infectious disease screening, or even the location where the embryos are stored. This process typically takes about 60 to 90 days from completion of all forms. Resources for research donation options are limited, current options are included in resource link below.
Donation and Disposition Options
When you are ready to end your long-term cryostorage agreement, Reprotech offers several disposition options. You may choose to ethically thaw and discard your specimens, donate embryos to another person or couple, or contribute embryos to scientific research. Reprotech customers can find helpful educational videos and detailed steps for each option in the Customer Portal under “Discontinue Storage.”
Ethically Thaw and Discard
Reprotech provides the option to ethically thaw and discard reproductive tissue at any of our facilities. Many customers choose this path when they feel their family is complete and no longer need their specimens in storage. It is also the most common choice, about 90% of Reprotech customers ultimately decide to discard when making a final disposition decision. There are no legal restrictions on embryo disposition in the states where our facilities are located, and if you are a current Reprotech customer, there is no charge for this service. You can begin this process in the Customer Portal.
Embryo Donation to Another Person or Couple
Another option is to donate embryos to another person or couple who is hoping to build their family. This process can take time, often six months or longer, because agencies will review your cryopreservation records, match you with a recipient, and may request additional screening. Some people choose to remain anonymous during this process, while others prefer a more open approach. Because of the time and care required, donation is not a quick or an expense-free process, but it can be a deeply meaningful option for many families. You can view available programs in the resource link below.
Donation to Scientific Research
Reprotech also offers the option to donate embryos to scientific research. For many, this choice feels like a powerful way to give back. Not all embryos are eligible for research donation, as each facility has its own acceptance criteria. These may include requirements around genetic testing, the use of donor tissue, infectious disease screening, or even the location where the embryos are stored. This process typically takes about 60 to 90 days from completion of all forms. Resources for research donation options are limited, current options are included in resource link below.
