What is Embryo Donation?

Embryo donation is a compassionate way to help individuals and couples on their path to parenthood. It involves receiving embryos donated by patients who have completed their own IVF journey and wish to give their unused embryos a chance at life. These embryos are typically donated anonymously, though designated donations to a specific recipient are also possible after both parties undergo psychosocial counseling.

Who Can Donate Embryos?

You may be a good candidate for embryo donation if:

• You have completed your own family-building journey and have viable embryos you no longer intend to use.
• You prefer to donate your remaining embryos rather than discard them.
• You have a specific recipient in mind, such as a current NewLife Fertility patient.
• You wish to be matched with an individual or family in need of donor embryos.

How Does Embryo Donation Work at NewLife Fertility?

NewLife Fertility facilitates embryo donation with expertise and care, offering two main options:

• Known Embryo Donation – If you have a designated recipient in mind (who must be a NewLife patient), we guide both parties through the necessary medical, legal, and counseling steps.
• Matched Embryo Donation – If you wish to donate but do not have a specific recipient, we can connect you with a waiting recipient through our Donated Embryo Database or an agency.

Our Embryo Donation Program

NewLife Fertility offers an anonymous Embryo Donation Program for current or former patients who wish to donate their remaining embryos. We do not accept embryo donations from outside facilities.

💡Important Note: We currently have a waiting list for individuals seeking donor embryos, with an estimated wait time of 2-3 years due to the unpredictable nature of donations. Once a potential embryo becomes available, medical screening and counseling will begin.

Your Journey to Embryo Donation

If you’re considering donating embryos, our dedicated Donor Team will guide you through the process:

1. Consultation & Decision-Making

• Meet with your NewLife Fertility physician to discuss your wish to donate embryos.
• The intended recipient will also undergo medical evaluation to ensure they are a suitable candidate.

2. Psychological Counseling

Both the donor and recipient(s) must attend counseling sessions with a licensed psychologist. This ensures all parties fully understand the emotional, legal, and ethical implications of embryo donation.

3. Legal Agreements

A legal contract is required to finalize the embryo donation. Both donor(s) and recipient(s) should seek independent legal counsel. Our team can provide a list of experienced reproductive lawyers in Canada.

4. Embryo Transfer & Next Steps

Once the legal agreement is finalized, the embryo transfer process begins for the recipient. From this point forward:

• You will no longer be responsible for storage fees or embryo disposition.
• The intended parents may choose to provide updates on the pregnancy, based on mutual agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between embryo donation and egg/sperm donation?
  Unlike egg or sperm (gamete) donation, where only one reproductive cell is donated, embryo donation involves a fully fertilized embryo, which has the potential to develop into a child when implanted in the uterus.
• Is there a cost to receive donated embryos?
  While the embryos themselves are donated altruistically, recipients are responsible for:
• • • Embryo Donation Coordination fees
    • Legal fees
    • Counseling fees
• Is embryo donation legal in Canada?
  Yes! In Canada, embryo donation must be done on an altruistic basis, meaning donors cannot receive payment for their embryos.
• Can anyone receive donated embryos?
  NewLife Fertility’s Embryo Donation Program is only available to current NewLife patients. If you wish to receive donor embryos from another clinic, they must be transferred to NewLife in your name.

Start Your Embryo Donation Journey Today

If you’re interested in donating or receiving embryos, contact NewLife Fertility Centre today to schedule a consultation. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way!