Embryo Adoption

The embryo adoption program is designed to assist certain couples that would otherwise have a very low chance for achieving a pregnancy. Many of the couples considering embryo adoption typically have duel infertility issues (in other words both male and female infertility). There are many reasons why a couple may consider embryo adoption:

• Women without ovaries
• Women of advanced maternal age
• Women with severe ovarian dysfunction
• Couples with known genetic issues which they do not want passed to their children
• Severe male factor in conjunction with ovarian/oocyte issues

Brief History

"Couple receives a gift from ‘angels’". This was a headline quote in 1998 announcing the first couple in Illinois to proceed with an embryo adoption. Dr. Karande cared for this couple. Since then, embryo adoption programs have become an essential treatment for many couples across the country. Some interesting historical facts include:

• In 1996 the Society for Assisted Reproduction Technology (SART) first makes mention of the topic of embryo donation.
• In the Spring of 1998 the first known embryo donation case in the United States is at University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa.
• During the Fall of 1998, a couple treated by Dr. Karande becomes the first known embryo adoption case in Illinois.
• In 1998, SART adds the category of embryo adoption to the required government database.
• In 1998 the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM.org) establishes practice guidelines for infertility clinics.
• During the Spring of 2002, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launches the "Embryo Adoption Awareness Program".

For More Information

Currently at Karande and Associates, S.C. we have embryos that have been donated for our embryo adoption program. If you are interested in embryo adoption please feel free to call or email our office for further information.