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Why Couples Without Infertility Adopt Embryos

I'm grateful to one of my readers who recently posted a completely fair question to the blog: Why did you decide to pursue embryo adoption even though you didn't face infertility?

Julie and I made sure to address this issue right up front in the letter we wrote to the couple that eventually became our placing family. (Note: A placing family is adoption lingo for a couple whose embryos have been frozen. Without our placing family, little Phoebe wouldn't be part of our household. John and Kris, we'll never be able to adequately thank you! We're honored to be on this journey with you.)

You see, there were at least five primary reasons we chose embryo adoption:

  • Friends of friends had successfully adopted embryos and brought them to term
  • Julie's background is as a scientist studying infertility, specifically endometriosis
  • We had discussed adoption since before we were married 10 years ago
  • As Christians, we believe life begins at conception, and that every embryo deserves the best chance at life -- the same is true for placing families who pay to have embryos stored 
  • Embryo adoption is about half as expensive as other forms of adoption
Part of me feels guilty because Julie and I have never faced infertility. It is a terribly painful experience for many, many couples, and I will never claim to understand what that feels like. The other part of me, though, wants couples to know that embryo adoption is a viable choice. Don't misread me: Prospective moms need to consult their doctors and other health experts to ensure they are able to undergo the regimen of medications and treatments embryo adoption requires.

I suspect if women have been through IVF cycles, they will know at least some of the routine quite well. 

Without question, embryo adoption isn't for everyone. But Julie and I believe more couples could be great candidates for adoption if they only knew it was even a possibility. 

Thank you for the question, and please keep them coming.

What do you want to know about embryo adoption? What information or encouragement would be helpful to you? Share your ideas by posting a comment below.

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