TFC is currently in the process
of evaluating the feasibility of establishing a
donor embryo program. Recipient candidates for
donated embryos are generally those couples who
cannot afford to pursue a cycle of in vitro
fertilization using donor gametes. Embryo donation
represents a significantly less expensive
alternative to conventional IVF treatment, but there
is no genetic link to the intended parents. There
are many couples who face moral, ethical, and
religious dilemmas when having to decide what to do
with extra cryopreserved embryos that remain once
they have completed their families. Altruistic
donation of these embryos to an infertile patient
can be a positive option for couples opposed to
discarding their embryos or donating them for
research purposes.
Ideally, donated embryos should
originate from couples who are willing to disclose
significant information about their personal,
medical, and family histories, and who have few or
no risk factors for genetic transmission of
disease. To reduce the risk of miscarriage and
chromosomal abnormalities in the offspring, it is
preferable that the oocyte donor be younger than 35
at the time of the original IVF procedure.
Of paramount importance is the
avoidance of transmission of communicable disease
from the embryo to the recipient. This requires
initial screening of both members of the donating
couple as well as follow-up screening before the
embryos are accepted for donation. All parties
involved in an embryo donation should undergo
psychological screening and counseling, especially
in regards to decision-making and disclosure.
Informed consent for both embryo donors and
recipients should be extensive with respect to
liability and anonymity.
