This collection of material is the largest on the site and documents embryo donation and adoption practices and outcomes from several different countries in the world, as well as in the United States. Several of the articles contain data with numbers of embryo transfers and pregnancy and birth rates; others are individual case descriptions or clinical reviews of the state of the science. Also included are policy statements on embryo donation and adoption by professional infertility associations in the United States and Europe. Full texts of any of the articles are available on request.

DATE   AUTHOR TITLE December 26, 2011   Frith, Blyth, Paul, Berger Conditional Embryo Relinquishment: Choosing to Relinquish Embryos for Family-Building Through a Christian Embryo 'Adoption' Programme

September 29, 2011   Kresowik, Stegmann, Sparks, Ryan, van Voorhis Five Years of a Mandatory Single-Embryo Transfer (mSET) policy dramatically reduces twinning rate without lowering pregnancy rates

May 13, 2011   Blyth, Frith, Paul, Berger Embryo Relinquishment for Family Building: How Should It Be Conceptualised?

November 1, 2010   Goedeke S, Payne D. A qualiitative study of New Zealand fertility counsellors' roles and practices regarding embryo donation (Hum Reprod.)

September 28, 2010   Paul, Berger, Blyth, Frith Relinquishing Frozen Embryos for Conception by Infertility Couples

September 1, 2010   de Lacey S. et al Directed embryo donation: free choice or discrimination? (J Law Med)

September 1, 2010   Henningsen, Pinborg, Lidegaard, Vestergaard, Forman and Andersen Perinatal outcome of singleton siblings born after assisted reproductive technology and spontaneous conception: Danish national sibling-cohort study

December 1, 2009   ~ American Society for Reproductive Medicine: defining embryo donation

October 1, 2009   Hammond K.R. Embryo Donation: Improved IVF Pregnancy Rates Signal Opportunity (SRM)

June 27, 2009   Nachtigall R.D, et al How couples who have undergone in vitro fertilization decide what to do with surplus frozen embryos (Fertility and Sterility)

May 27, 2009 Lampic C, Svanberg AS., Sydsjo G. Attitudes Towards Gamete Donation Among IVF Doctors in the Nordic Countries-Are They in Line with National Legislation? (J Assist Reprod Genet)

May, 2009   Goedeke S, Payne D. Embryo Donation in New Zealand: a Pilot Study (Human Reproduction)

May, 2009   Mohler-Kuo M, et al Attitudes of Couples Towards the Destination of Surplus Embryos: Results Among Couples with Cryopreserved Embryos in Switzerland (Human Reproduction)

April 28, 2009   Finger R. et al A Cost-Effectiveness Comparison of Embryo Donation With Oocyte Donation (Fertility and Sterility)

April 16, 2009   Blyth, Frith Donor-Conceived People's Access to Genetic and Biographical History: An Analysis of Provisions in Different Jurisdictions Permitting Disclosure of Donor Identity

April 1, 2009 Keenan, J.F. et al Birth of Twins Unrelated to Each Other or to Their Gestational Mother (RBM Online)

March, 2009 Janssens, P.M. Colouring the Different Phases in Gamete and Embryo Donation (Human Reproduction)

March 1, 2009 Kufner K. What Is To Be Done With Surplus Embryos? Attitude Formation With Ambivalence in German Fertility Patients (RBM Online)

March, 2009   Lanzendorf S, Ratts V. Keller S. and Odem R. Disposition of Cryopreserved Embryos by Infertility Patients Desiring to Discontinue Storage (Fertility and Sterility)

March, 2009   MacCallum, F Embryo Donation Parents¡¦ Attitudes Towards Donors: Comparison with Adoption (Human Reproduction)

January, 2009   Provoost, V et al Infertility Patients' Beliefs about Their Embryos and Their Disposition Preferences (Human Reproduction)

December 1, 2008   Berger, Paul Family Secrets and Family Functioning: The Case of Donor Assistance

December, 2008   Lyerly, A.D. et al Fertility Patients' Views About Frozen Embryo Disposition: Results of a Multi-institutional U.S. Survey (Fertility and Sterility)

December, 2008   MacCallum, F. Feeley, S. Embryo Donation Families: a Follow-up in Middle Childhood (Journal of Family Psychology)

December, 2007   Fuscaldo, G., Russell, S., Gillam, L. How to Facilitate Decisions about Surplus Embryos: Patients' Views (Human Reproduction)

November, 2007   Jain, T., Missmer, S.A. Support for Selling Embryos Among Infertility Patients (Fertility and Sterility)

November, 2007   Keenan, J., Finger, R., Check, J.H., Daly, D., Dodds, W., Stoddart, R. Favorable Pregnancy, Delivery, and Implantation Rates Experiences in Embryo Donation Programs in the United States (Fertility & Sterility)

November 1, 2007 Le Lannou D. Reflexions on Embryo Donation (Gynecol Obstet Fertil. English Translation)

November, 2007   MacCallum, F., Golombok, S. Embryo Donation Families: Mother’s Decisions Regarding Disclosure of Donor Conception (Human Reproduction)

November, 2007   McMahon C.A., Saunders, D.M. Attitudes of Couples with Stored Frozen Embryos Toward Conditional Embryo Donation (Fertility and Sterility)

October, 2007   Chan, S., Quigley, M. Frozen Embryos, Genetic Information and Reproductive Rights (Bioethics)

July, 2007 Lyerly, A.D., Faden, R.R. Embryo Stem Cells. Willingness to Donate Frozen Embryos for Stem Cell Research (Science)

June 22, 2007   Paul, Berger Topic Avoidance and Family Functioning in Families Conceived with Donor Insemination

June, 2007 Keenan, J.A. Cancer, Fertility and Embryo Adoption

June, 2007   MacCallum, F., Golombok, S., Brinsden, P. Parenting and Child Development in Families with a Child Conceived Through Embryo Donation (Journal of Family Psychology)

June, 2007   Newton, C.R., Fisher, J., Feyles, V., Tekpetey, F., Hughes, L., Isacsson, D. Changes in Patient Preferences in the Disposal of Cryopreserved Embryos (Human Reproduction)

April, 2007   ~ Surveillance of ART (Fertility & Sterility)

April, 2007   Findlay, J.K., Gear, M.L., Illingworth, P.J., Junk, S.M., et al Human Embryo: A Biological Definition (Human Reproduction)

April, 2007 Heng, B.C. Independent Counselling on Embryo Donation for Infertility Patients (Human Reproduction)

February, 2007   Bettahar-Lebungle, K., Wittemer, C., Fertion, C., Rongieres, C., Ohl, J., et al Embryo Donation in France: Practice and Difficulties - Strasbourg's Experience (Gynecol Obstet Fertil)

January, 2007   de Lacey, S. Decisions for the Fate of Frozen Embryos: Fresh Insights into Patients' Thinking and Their Rationales for Donating or Discarding Embryos (Human Reproduction)

January, 2007 Heng, B.C. Should Embryo Donation Be Actively Encouraged and Advocated For Couples With Only One Infertile Partner? (J Assit Reprod Genet)

November, 2006   ~ Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine: 2006 Guidelines for Gamete and Embryo Donation (Fertility and Sterility)

October 1, 2006 Lopez-Teljon, M., Serra, O., Olivares, R., Moragas, M., Castello, C., and Alvarez, J.G. Delivery of a Healthy Baby Following the Transfer of Embryos Cryopreserved for 13 Years (RBM Online)

September, 2006 Heng, B.C., Cao, T. Refund Fertility-Treatment Costs for Donated Embryos (Nature)

September, 2006 Schugars, S.A., Daly, D. A Retrospective Chart Review Examining Outcomes of Donor Embryo Cycles in Comparison to Donor Oocyte Cycles During In Vitro Fertilization (Fertility and Sterility)

July, 2006   Hammarberg, K., Tinney, L. Deciding the Fate of Supernumerary Frozen Embryos: A Survey of Couples' Decisions and the Factors Influencing Their Choice (Fertility and Sterility)

June, 2006   Lyerly, A.D., Steinhauser, K., Namey, E., Tulsky, J.A., Cook-Deegan, R., Sugarman, J., Walmer, D., Faden, R., Wallach, E. Factors That Affect Infertility Patients’ Decisions about Disposition of Frozen Embryos (Fertility and Sterility)

March, 2006   Jouannet, P., Chalas, C., Faugue, P., Juillard, JC., Kunstmann, JM. Gamete and Embryo Donations (Rev Prat)

January, 2006 ~ Claims to Frozen Embryo Rejected (RBM Online)

January, 2006   Michelmann, H.W., Nayadu, P. Cryopreservation of Human Embryos (Cell Tissue Bank)

January 1, 2006 Sauer, M.V., Kavic, S.M. Oocyte and Embryo Donation 2006: Reviewing Two Decades of Innovation and Controversy (RBM Online)

October, 2005   Bankowski, B.J., Lyerly, A.D., Faden, R.R., Wallach, E.E. The Social Implications of Embryo Cryopreservation (Fertility and Sterility)

September, 2005 Hurwitz, J., Lederman, M.A., Jindal, S.K., Lieman, H.J., Santoro, N. Embryo Donation (ED): An Increasingly Popular Option in the United States (Fertility and Sterility)

September, 2005   Siffroi, J.P. Genetic Risks in Embryo Donation (Gynecol Obstet Fertil)

August, 2005   Nachtigall, R.D., Becker, G., Friese, C., Butler, A., MacDougall, K. Parents' Conceptualization of Their Frozen Embryos Complicates the Disposition Decision (Fertility and Sterility)

February, 2005   ~ Regulating Donation Options: AFA Raises Concern Over New FDA Guidelines (Medical News Today)

January, 2005   de Lacey, S. Parent Identity and "Virtual" Children: Why Patients Discard Rather Than Donate Unused Embryos (Human Reproduction)

January 1, 2005 Fuscaldo, G., Savulescu, J. Spare Embryos: 3000 Reasons to Rethink the Significance of Genetic Relatedness (RBM Online)

October, 2004   Bangsboll, S., Pinborg, A., Yding, A.C., Nyboe, A.A. Patients' Attitudes Towards Donation of Surplus Cryopreserved Embryos for Treatment of Research (Human Reproduction)

September, 2004 ~ Ethics Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine: Disposition of Abandoned Embryos (Fertility and Sterility)

July, 2004   Cattoli, M., Borini, A., Bonu, M.A. Fate of Stored Embryos: Our 10 Years Experience (European Journal of Obstet Gynecol Reproductive Biology)

May, 2004   de Lacey, S., Norman, R.J. What Should We Do With Donated Embryos That May Be Genetically Affected? (Human Reproduction)

April, 2004   Elford, K., Lawrence, C., Leader, A. Research Implications of Embryo Cryopreservation Choices Made by Patients Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (Fertility and Sterility)

March, 2004 ~ Ethics Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine: Informing Offspring of their Conception by Gamete Donation (Fertility and Sterility)

January, 2004 ~ American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology: Surrogate Motherhood

January, 2004   Biggers, J.D., Summers, M.C. When to Avoid Creating Surplus Embryos (Human Reproduction)

January, 2004   Eydoux, P., Thepot, F., Fellman, F., et al How Can the Genetic Risks of Embryo Donation Be Minimized? (Human Reproduction)

January 1, 2004 Woodward, B.J., Norton, W.J., Neuberg, R.W. Case Report: Grandmother, Mother, and Another: An Intergenerational Surrogacy Using Anonymous Donated Embryos (RBM Online)

December, 2003 Syrop, C.H. Embryo Donation: A Simple Phrase - A Complex Issue (SARTimes)

September, 2003   Blank, R.H. Embryos, Stem Cell Research, and the Promise of Health (Politics and the Life Sciences)

September, 2003   Gurmankin, A.D., Sisti, D., Caplan, A.L. Embryo Disposal Practices in IVF Clinics in the United States (Politics and the Life Sciences)

June, 2003   Boldt, J., Cline, D., McLaughlin, D. Human Oocyte Cryopreservation as an Adjunct to IVF-Embryo Transfer Cycles (Human Reproduction)

June, 2003   Robeznieks, A. Researchers Ponder Best use of 400,000 Stored Embryos (AMedNews.com)

May, 2003   Hoffman D.I., Zellman G.L., Fair C.C., et al. Cryopreserved Embryos in the United States and their Availability for Research (Fertility and Sterility)

February, 2003   Kovacs, G.T., Breheny, S.A., Dear, M.J. Embryo Donation at an Australian University In Vitro Fertilization Clinic: Issues and Outcomes (Medical Journal Australia)

January, 2003   Lee, J., Yap, C. Embryo Donation: A Review (Acta Obstetrica et Gynecologica Scandanavica)

January, 2003   Newton, C.R., McDermid, A., Tekpetey, F., Tummon, I.S. Embryo Donation: Attitudes Toward Donation Procedures and Factors Predicting Willingness to Donate (Human Reproduction)

January, 2003   Vahratian, A., Schieve, L.A., Reynolds, M.A., Jeng, G. Live-Birth Rates and Multiple-Birth Risk of Assisted Reproductive Technology Pregnancies Conceived Using Thawed Embryos, USA 1999-2000 (Human Reproduction)

November, 2002 Arekapudi, A. Adopting the Unborn (American Medical Association)

June, 2002 ~ Guidelines for Cryopreserved Embryo Donation (Fertility and Sterility)

January, 2002   ~ ESHRE Task Force on Ethics and Law: III: Gamete and Embryo Donation (Human Reproduction)

January, 2002 Appleton, T.C. Embryo Donation (Oxford University Press)

January, 2002   Moutel, G., Gregg, E., Meningaud, J.P., Herve, C. Developments in the Storage of Embryos in France and the Limitations of the Laws Bioethics. Analysis of Procedures in 17 Storage Centres and the Destiny of Stored Embryos (Med Law)

July, 2001 Klock, S.C., Sheinin, S., Kazer, R.R. The Disposition of Unused Frozen Embryos (NEJM)

March, 2001   Broderick, P. Donor Gametes and Embryos: Who Wants to Know What About Whom, and Why? (Politics and the Life Sciences)

January, 2001 Brzyski, R.G., Witz, C.A., Eddy, C.A., Pierce, J., Binkley, P.A., Schenken, R.S. Association Between Donor Gamete Use and Choice of Embryo Donation For Final Disposition of Cryopreserved Embryos (Fertility and Sterility)

January 1, 2001 Crockin, S.L. Embryo "Adoption:" A Limited Option (RBM Online)

January, 2001   Klipstein, S., Reindollar, R.H., Regan, M.M., Alper, M.M. Gender Bias in the Disposition of Frozen Embryos (Fertility and Sterility)

January, 2001   Soderstrom-Anttila, A., Foudila, T., Ripatti, U., Siegberg, R. Embryo Donation: Outcome and Attitudes Among Embryo Donors and Recipients (Human Reproduction)

January, 2001   Svanberg, A., Boivin, J., Bergh, T. Factors Influencing the Decision to Use of Discard Cryopreserved Embryos (Acta Obstetrica et Gynecologica Scandanavica)

November, 2000 Damario, M.A. Ulysses and the Fate of Frozen Embryos (NEJM)

April, 2000   Oghoetuoma, J.O., McKeating, C.,Home, G., Brison, D.R., Lieberman, B.A. Use of In-Vitro Fertilization Embryos Cryopreserved for 5 Years of More (The Lancet)

February, 2000   Kingsberg, S.A., Applegarth L.D., Janata J.W. Embryo Donation Programs and Policies in North America: Survey Results and Implications for Health and Mental Health Professionals (Fertility and Sterility)

January, 2000 McMahon, C.A., Gibson, F., Cohen, J., Leslie, G., Tennant, C., Saunders, D. Mothers Conceiving Through In Vitro Fertilization: Siblings, Setbacks, and Embryo Dilemmas After Five Years (Reproductive Technologies)

January, 2000   Pennings, G. What Are the Ownership Rights for Gametes and Embryos? (Human Reproduction)

November, 1999   Lindheim, S.R., Sauer, M.V. Embryo Donation: A Programmed Approach (Fertility and Sterility)

January, 1999   Lupton, M.L. The Role of the Artificial Uterus in Embryo Adoption and Neonatal Intensive Care (Medical Law)

January, 1999   Van Voorhis, B.J., Grinstead, D.M., Sparks, A.E.T., Gerard, J.L., Weir, R.F. Establishment of a Successful Donor Embryo Program: Medical, Ethical, and Policy Issues (Fertility and Sterility)

November, 1998   Brzyski, R.G. Efficacy of Postal Communication With Patients Who Have Cryopreserved Pre-Embryos (Fertility and Sterility)

October, 1998 ~ Guidelines for Embryo Donation (Fertility and Sterility)

October, 1998 ~ American Society for Reproductive Medicine: Guidelines for Embryo Donation (Fertility and Sterility)

October 1, 1998 Marcus, S.F. Embryo Donation. In: A Textbook of In Vitro Fertilization and Assisted Reproduction (A Textbook of In Vitro Fertilization and Assisted Reproduction)

June, 1998   Chan, C.L., Kumar, J., Yong, E.L., Fong, C.Y., Bongso, A., Ng, S.C. The First 2 Case Reports of Frozen Embryo Donation Twin Pregnancies in Singapore: Hormonal Profiles and Obstetrical Outcome (Journal Obstet Gynaecol Res)

June, 1998   Check J.H., Wilson C., Krotec J.W., Choe J.K., Nazari A. The Feasibility of Embryo Donation (Fertility and Sterility)

January, 1998 Buster, J.E. Historical Evolution of Oocyte and Embryo Donation as a Treatment for Intractable Infertility (Principles of Oocyte and Embryo Donation)

January, 1998   Eisenberg, V.H., Schenker, J.G. Pre-Embryo Donation: Ethical and Legal Apects (International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics)

January, 1998   Haimes, E. Gamete and Embryo Donation: Ethical Implications for Families (Human Fertility - Camb)

January, 1998   Hamilton, M.P. Clinical Perspectives on Gamete and Embryo Donation(Humna Fertility - Camb)

January, 1998 Marcus, S.F., Appleton, T., Marcus, N.K., Brinsden, P.R. Attitudes of Donor Couples Towards Embryo Donation (Human Reproduction)

July 1, 1997 Porreco RP. etc Pregnancy outcome following donor embryo replacement

January 1, 1997 ~ Human Fertility & Embryology Authority: Sixth Annual Report (Human Fertility & Embryology Authority - UK)

December, 1996   Chan, C.L., Kumar, J., Ong, M.L., Ng, S.C., Bongso, T.A., Ratnam, S.S. The First Frozen Embryo Donation Pregnancy for Hypergonadotrophic Hypogonadism in Singapore - Hormonal Profile and Obstetric Outcome (Medical Journal Malaysia)

November, 1996   Hounshell, C.V., Chetkowski, R.J. Donation of Frozen Embryos After In Vitro Fertilization is Uncommon (Fertility and Sterility)

October, 1996 Maguiness, S., Robinson, J., Killick, S. Storage of Sperm and Embryos: Counseling Will Be Needed When Embryos Are Donated As Well As When They Are Stored (BMJ)

September, 1996   Cornet, D., Alnot, M.O., Weil, E., et al. Oocyte Donation, Embryo Donation (Contracept Fertil Sex)

January, 1996 Cooper, S. The Destiny of Supernumerary Embryos (Fertility and Sterility)

December, 1995 Saunders, D.M. Frozen Embryos - Too Cold to Touch? The Dilemma Ten Years On (Human Reproduction)

September, 1995 Schenker, J.G. Sperm, Oocyte, Pre-Embryo Donation (J Assit Reprod Genet)

June, 1995   Sauer, M.V., Paulson, R.J. Oocyte and Embryo Donation (Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol)

May, 1995   Laruelle, C., Englert, Y. Psychological Study of In Vitro Fertilization - Embryo Transfer Participants' Attitudes Toward the Destiny of Their Supernumerary Embryos (Fertility and Sterility)

January, 1995   Lornage, J., Chorier, H., Boulieu, D., Mathieu, C., Czyba, J.C. Six Year Follow-up of Cryopreserved Human Embryos (Human Reproduction)

March, 1994   Wada, I., Macnamee, M.C., Wick, K., Bradfield, J.M., Brinsden, P.R. Birth Characteristics and Perinatal Outcome of Babies Conceived From Cryopreserved Embryos (Human Reproduction)

September, 1992   Pados, G., Camus, M., Van Waesberghe, L., Liebaers, I., Van Steirteghem, A., DeVroey, P. Oocyte and Embryo Donation: Evaluation of 412 Consecutive Trials (Human Reproduction)

July, 1992 Asch, R.H. High Pregnancy Rates After Oocyte and Embryo Donation (Human Reproduction)

July, 1992   Chan, C.L., Devendra, S. Oocyte and Embryo Donation (Ann Acad Med Singapore)

May, 1992 Marshall, B.M. Adoption In Utero Is the Wrong Term (BMJ)

March, 1992 Craft, I., Fincham, E., al-Shawaft, T. Adoption In Utero (BMJ)

November, 1990   Sauer, MV., Paulson, RJ. Human Oocyte and Preembryo Donation: An Evolving Method for the Treatment of Infertility (Am J Obstet Gynecol)

October, 1989 Nulsen, J.C., Luciano, A.A. Oocyte and Embryo Donation (Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol)

August, 1989   Devroey, P., Camus, M., van den Abbeel, E., van Waesberghe, L., Winsanto, A., van Steirteghem, A.C. Establishment of Twenty-Two Pregnancies After Oocyte and Embryo Donation (Br J Obstet Gynaecol)

August, 1989   Sauer, M.V., Lobo, R.A., Paulson, R.J. Successful Twin Pregnancy After Embryo Donation to a Patient with XY Gonadal Dysgenesis (Am J Obstet Gynecol)

January, 1988 Ford, N.M. When Did I Begin?: Conception of the Human Individual in History, Philosophy and Science

January, 1987 Devroey, P., Braeckmans, P., Camus, M., et al. Pregnancies After Replacement of Fresh and Frozen-Thawed Embryos in a Donation Program (Future Aspects of Human In Vitro Fertilization)

January, 1987 Van Steirteghem, AC., Van den Abbeel, E., Braeckmans, P., et al. Pregnancy With a Frozen-Thawed Embryo in a Woman With Primary Ovarian Failure (NEJM)

January, 1985 Warnock, M. A Question of Life:The Warnock Report on Human Fertilization and Embryology

January, 1984   Lutjen, P., Trounson, A., Leeton, J., Findlay, J., Wood, C., Renou, P. The Establishment and Maintenance of Pregnancy Using In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Donation in a Patient with Primary Ovarian Failure (Nature)

March, 1983   Trounson, A., Leeton, J., Besanko, M., Wood, C., Conti, A. Pregnancy Established in an Infertile Patient After Transfer of a Donated Embryo Fertilized In Vitro (British Medical Journal)

November, 2008   American Society for Reproductive Medicine. 2008 Guidelines for Gamete and Embryo Donation: a Practice Committee Report (Fertility and Sterility)

The materials available on this website have been compiled and posted by the National Embryo Donation Center, with grant support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under grant # EAAPA061006. The contents of this website are solely the responsibility of the NEDC and its partners and do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

All decisions regarding the inclusion and/or exclusion of materials on this website are made by the NEDC. The Department does not endorse the NEDC's decisions regarding the selection of these materials. Summaries of the articles and case law posted on this website are prepared by the NEDC. The Department does not endorse the factual accuracy of these summaries. The lists on this website are compiled and maintained by the NEDC. The Department is not responsible for the factual accuracy of information included on these lists.

The contents of the website are for informational purposes only and are intended to educate the public on embryo donation and/or adoption. The contents of this website are not intended to be a substitute for proper medical and/or legal advice and should not be used or relied upon in such a manner. NEDC does not endorse content found on the external links. The legal issues regarding embryo donation and/or adoption vary depending upon state law and individual circumstances. For specific requests for legal advice, individuals should consult an attorney.