Where to begin?

For those considering Embryo Donation or Embryo Adoption it can be a daunting task to even know where to begin. By narrowing down a few details you can actually shorten the time it takes to get started in the process.

The most important thing to decide is whether or not you want this to be a Donation or an Adoption. The terms are used interchangeably but there is a difference. Donation is anonymous and done in more of a clinical fashion like IVF. Adoption is done more like a traditional adoption with a home study and the option for an open relationship with the donor family. If you want an open adoption then you have a few places to choose (see the ED/A Programs pages). From there you can narrow it down to which clinic/program suits your needs best. Some choose based up cost, others location or wait time and availability of embryos, and some just prefer a one program over another. There is no right or wrong way to choose a program, you just need to decide what things are important and base your decisions with those in mind.

If you are wanting an open donation/adoption but cost is an issue then you can use Miracle's Waiting. The wait time can be longer (though this is not always the case) and you have to do the leg work yourself, but it can be more affordable. Their website offers a lot of information to help navigate this route.

If you choose an anonymous donation you may have a bit more work in finding a clinic with an ED program. They are out there but they can be more difficult to locate and their wait times may be longer. This is not always true but is a possibility. (The ED/A Page lists the clinics that I am aware of as well). This route is usually less expensive and faster as there is no home study involved. If you want to pursue this route the best thing to do is to start calling any and all clinics that you can to ask if they have a program. If they do ask the following: availability of embryos, cost, how much medical and physical information is available on the donor couple, and what you need to do to get started. If they have an information packet as for one to be sent to you for future reference.

While there are several ways to pursue ED/A and it seems scary, it really isn't if you just take it one step at a time. Keep a notebook of things that you are looking for in a program and to record notes. And ask questions!! There are several blogs out there of those that have successfully completed the ED/A process and most of are willing to help in any way that we can.