adopting.adoption.com/child/embryo-adoption.html
Embryo adoption refers to the legal adoption of one or more non-genetically related embryo by persons seeking to achieve pregnancy. The adopted embryo is(are) implanted in the uterus of the adopting mother who wants and is able to experience childbirth.
rocedure that involves removing eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them outside of the woman's body. The Mechanics Existing embryos: During IVF treatments, couples may produce many embryos in their attempt to conceive. These embryos are cryopreserved (placed in cold storage) for use as needed. If the couple conceives without using all the stored embryos, they may choose to have the remaining embryos destroyed, to donate them for research or implantation, or to make them available for adoption. Made-to-order embryos: Embryos can alternatively be created using the sperm and eggs of selected donors. Donors may be selected on the basis of adopting parents' criteria. Medical requirements: Adopting mothers must be physically able to carry a child to term. Making it legal: As the law stands now, many state laws determine that a woman who gives birth to a child is his/her parent, and few states have any statutes covering embryo adoption. All reputable specialists in this field recommend that contractual documents be drawn up between the genetic and adopting parents that clearly define the agreement.
Snowflakes embryo adoption program, utilize the same type of agreement used in traditional adoptions. Adopting parents must have a completed homestudy, and genetic parents relinquish "parental rights" before the embryos are transferred. However, there are many unregulated programs and no consistent policies. The Questions Why would genetic parents choose embryo adoption? Making the embryos available for adoption allows the genetic parents to participate in the selection of adopting parents and in the life of the child or children born as a result, much in the manner of traditional open adoption. While the reasons are as diverse as we are, some of the reasons cited in published works include: * the desire to experience childbirth and control what the fetus is exposed to during pregnancy * possible solution for older persons who may not qualify for the age limits set on traditional adoption * fees and costs are generally lower than traditional adoption * the ability to choose genetic parents' characteristics The Issues Here's a brief overview of some of the issues: Made-to-order embryos: This option allows adopting parents to select criteria for sperm and egg donors, respectively. This kind of mix-and-match do-it-yourself kit raises enormous questions about whose interests are being served. Will the interests of the child be dumped to the bottom of the list in favor of someone's idea of a "perfect creation?" Anonymous embryo adoption: Programs like the the one at the University of Iowa Health Center maintain the anonymity of embryo donors. Adopting parents will have only current medical information about the genetic parents. It would seem, to this writer, that this program is an updated version of the closed adoption system and can hardly be described as being in the best interest of those conceived and adopted in this manner. Legal issues: Embryo adoption is new, and as mentioned above, very few states take any legal position whatsoever. If the practice of embryo adoption is legislated in the future, states laws could be enacted that may or may not be in conflict with agreements made today between genetic and adopting parents.
Once upon a time, the hot topic (and it still is in some areas) was about sex without babies (contraception). From the "right to life" of an embryo, to ethical standards of practice, to the possible future genetic engineering of "adoptable" embryos, professionals from every sector - along with us everyday folks - have something to say. The Final Frontier In the world of adoption, embryo adoption is currently our new frontier, brought about by new and newer technologies. Changing family structures, new attitudes and ideas about "love and marriage," and a population seeking to become parents later in life are also spurring us onward to new ways of thinking about old ideas. The question each of us will have to answer for herself or himself is, "just because I can do it, should I do it?" And since the topic is adoption, and adoption is about children, will our answers reflect the best interests of our present and future children?
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