The Family Formation Law Center assists with every aspect of embryo donation and receipt. Whether you are interested in donating your unused embryos to help another family, or you are seeking donated embryos to create or augment your family, we are able to assist you at every stage.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) often results in a number of frozen, unused embryos. After the woman for whom they were originally created has successfully carried one or more pregnancies to term, the genetic parents of the unused embryos must decide the future disposition for the remaining unused embryos. There are a variety of possible outcomes for the disposition of unused embryos, and often times, the genetic parents will decide to help another family by donating the unused embryos.
Once parents make the decision to donate the embryos, they often work with a fertility clinic where the embryos are cryogenically preserved until a carrier is found for them. The process of matching an embryo with a prospective parent or parents is typically conducted by an agency, at which time the clinic transfers ownership of the embryos to the prospective parent(s).
There are many legal considerations that must be thoroughly reviewed with an attorney during every stage of IVF and embryo donation. The Family Formation Law Center can assist with:
- Drafting or providing legal review of embryo donor compensation agreements.
- Drafting release letters required by agencies for embryo donors.
- Drafting release letters required by physicians assisting in egg donation and embryo donation.
- Providing all other related legal services and legal representation that may be needed to help establish legal rights to the baby.
For patients undergoing IVF through their doctor or a fertility clinic, it is imperative to have a solid understanding of the medical release and consent forms that are being agreed to at the beginning of this relationship. Patients must have a clear knowledge and understanding as to what their doctor or clinic will do with unused embryos after a certain time period. If you are undergoing IVF and want to establish or clarify your rights and the future disposition of your cryopreserved unused embryos, we can assist with this important step.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.