Embryo Disposition Decisions

In this course we unpack options for IVF patients who have completed their family building plans and have remaining embryos in storage. We look at the pros & cons of: donating to science, donating to another fertility patient, thawing for personal ceremony, thawing & discarding, and continuing to store embryos long-term.

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Embryo Disposition Decisions
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Experts you'll learn from

Dr. Daniel Kaser

Director, Third Party & LBGTQ
RMA of Northern California

Melanie Mikkelsen, MSW, LICSW

Fertility Counselor
Seattle Reproductive Medicine

Anjali Wignarajah

RENEW Biobank Coordinator
Stanford University

Natalie Gamble

Assisted Reproduction Attorney
Co-founder, Brilliant Beginnings Surrogacy Agency and NGA Law

Dr. Gayathree Murugappan

Medical Director, RENEW Biobank
Stanford University

Dr. Craig R. Sweet

Medical Director
Embryo Donation International, P.L.

Dr. Jan Krüssel

Leiter des universitären interdisziplinären Kinderwunschzentrums der Universitätsklinik Düsseldorf (UniKiD)

Dr. Jan Kruessel

Head, Department of Assisted Reproductive Techniques, University of Dusseldorf

Dr. Claudia Pascale

Director of Psychological Services
Saint Barnabas Medical Center

What you'll learn

In this course, we discuss your options regarding frozen embryos you may have remaining after completing fertility treatment. For many patients, it can be an emotional decision. We'll help you unpack the trade-offs of each option so you can make the choice that's best for you.

Course Syllabus4 Lessons1h 7m

  1. In this lesson we'll cover:
    1. Introduction
    2. Background
    3. The Decision-Making Process
  2. Lesson 2 (15 min)
    Options Available
    In this lesson we'll cover:
    1. Overview
    2. Keep in Storage
    3. Donation to Scientific Research
    4. Donation for Internal Training
    5. Donation to Others
    6. Thaw for Personal Disposition
    7. Thaw & “Discard”
  3. In this lesson we'll cover:
    1. What Is Embryo Donation?
    2. The Process of Donating Embryos
    3. Trends in Embryo Donation
  4. In this lesson we'll cover:
    1. Options in Various Countries
    2. Legal Considerations in the U.S.
    3. Avoiding “Supernumerary” Embryos