Embryos can be stored in a cryopreserved state for 5 years under Victorian law. Patients who have completed their families and who still have embryos in a cryopreserved state must choose to use, discard or donate their embryos when the 5-year limit draws close. Some couples choose to donate their embryos rather than discard them.

Embryo donation is a very simple process. However, there are complex implications that must be explored by both potential donors and recipients.

Embryo donation is a commonly used fertility treatment option at BIVF. 
Counselling is compulsory and critical. 
Donation of embryos for research is not offered at BIVF.

Who Needs It?
Patients where both the woman and the man are diagnosed as infertile.

THINGS TO CONSIDER – POTENTIAL EMBRYO DONORS
If you have frozen embryos it can be very difficult to decide whether to use them yourself (which may not be physically or financially possible), have them discarded, or donate them.

If you are considering becoming a donor you must consider the following issues carefully…
• you must be clear about why you are making this decision
• you may want to give a child a chance of life or a couple a chance of pregnancy
• you may want to give something back to the IVF program
• you may not want the embryos destroyed
• any children born from your donated embryos will be full siblings to your own children
• you may feel like you have given away your own children
• you also need to consider what you will tell your children

THINGS TO CONSIDER – POTENTIAL EMBRYO RECIPIENTS

Embryo recipient patients need to be very comfortable with the fact that you will not be the genetic parent – many consider it to be like an adoption. You also need to consider what you will tell your children, and how you will feel if your children wish to make contact with the donors.

For more information visit Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA)

Related link:
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages