When you begin the journey of embryo adoption, you will likely find yourself asking a lot of questions. One that often comes up for families working with Snowflakes is:
“Were donor eggs or sperm used to create these embryos?”
It is a good and important question. For some families, the idea of adopting embryos created with donor gametes feels completely comfortable. For others, it feels like an added layer of complexity they are not sure they want to navigate. Both reactions are normal—and worth exploring.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you think about whether you are open to adopting embryos created with donor gametes.
Egg & Sperm Donors Go Through Rigorous Screening
One of the unique aspects of donor-created embryos is the level of medical and genetic information available. Donors must go through a comprehensive screening process, including medical and family history, psychological evaluations, and genetic and infectious disease testing.
Because of these requirements, families often receive more detailed information when adopting donor-created embryos than they would for embryos created through a couple’s own IVF treatments. For some adopting parents, this additional transparency feels reassuring.
Openness Expands Your Opportunities
Being open to donor-created embryos is not about choosing “better” embryos—it is about opening yourself to more opportunities.
This openness can often shorten the time it takes to be matched with embryos through Snowflakes. It can also give embryos that might otherwise remain frozen the chance to be born into a loving family.
At the end of the day, each embryo—no matter how it was created—represents potential life.
Every Embryo Has Worth
At Snowflakes, we believe that every embryo has inherent value. Whether created with a couple’s own genetics or with the help of a donor, each embryo is part of a unique and meaningful story.
Yes, donor gametes can add a layer of complexity to that story. However, complexity does not have to mean difficulty. In fact, it can add depth and meaning to your child’s adoption story and remind us of the beautiful, collaborative effort that often brings life into the world.
A Beautiful Opportunity
As you consider your embryo adoption journey, it is natural to have questions about donor gametes. Taking time to learn about the safeguards in place—and the reasons these embryos were created and placed for adoption—may help you see them not as “different,” but as beautiful opportunities.
Every embryo deserves the chance at life. Moreover, being open to donor-created embryos may be the very step that leads you to the child you were always meant to meet.
Snowflakes has helped over 1,000 families welcome children through embryo adoption. If you would like to explore your next steps, visit Snowflakes.org to discover how we can help you begin your journey.