Olga Batsedis, Embryo Adoption: a Science Fiction or an Alternative to Traditional Adoption?

Olga Batsedis, Embryo Adoption: A Science Fiction or an Alternative to Traditional Adoption? 41 FAM. CT. REV. 565 (2003).

Once couples undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF), genetic parents are confronted with the dilemma of what to do with their unwanted embryos. These embryos may remain frozen at a costly price, be destroyed, or donated for embryonic stem cell research. A new alternative is embryo adoption. An infertile couple may adopt an embryo, which, if it survives the thawing process, is then transferred into the adoptive mother's womb.

As with traditional adoption, embryo adoption may be open, in which the parties are aware of each other's identities, or closed, in which the parties' identities remain confidential. Either form of adoption requires a home study to determine whether the adoptive parents can provide a proper and loving home for the child they will bear. The agency in charge of embryo adoption prepares such a home study. It provides "counseling and education to the adoptive family regarding integrating the child into the home, parenting, and other issues unique to the family" Adoptive families must also divulge medical, paternal, psychological, and background information. "Adoptive parents are told the race, physical characteristics, and genetic history of the donor family"

One organization devoted solely to the adoption of embryos is the Snowflakes Embryo Adoption Agency Fullerton...