IVF and the ability to freeze embryos successfully has led to the possibility and the now increasing occurrence of donating embryos.

Generally, these are donated by couples who have used IVF, have completed their family and no longer require the embryos, to couples who do need them.

The numbers of embryos donated will rapidly increase whilst gametes are frozen as embryos. The routine freezing of eggs in the future may, however, decrease this trend.

Donating embryos is a very simple procedure physically. However, there are many social implications and emotional reactions for the donors as well as the recipients which need to be considered carefully.

It is important that careful counselling occurs before proceeding.