Controversial Debate: What To Do With Unused Embryos?

Experts at the Fertility Centers of Illinois Available to Discuss Various
Perspectives on the Debate & Options Now Available to IVF Patients - Store,
Donate, or Discard
CHICAGO--(Business Wire)--
For many infertile couples that undergo In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), the long
path to parenthood presents the additional obstacle of what to do with unused
embryos. After an already emotionally fueled fertility journey, many couples
struggle with the dilemma to either store embryos for future use, donate to
another infertile couple or to discard - a decision often impacted by personal
or religious beliefs, financial constraints, ethical implications, future family
planning prospects and much more.

With Obama recently overturning the ban to use federal funds to support
stem-cell research, couples now also have more options to donate their unused
embryos to scientific research. Patients with Fertility Centers of Illinois
(FCI) that wish to do so can now have their embryos sent to Harvard University
for stem cell research with no cost for embryo transport. For those looking to
donate their embryos to another couple, FCI is also planning to offer an embryo
donation and matching program which will be available to patients October 1st.

Interestingly, a recent study examining patient decisions regarding unused
embryos prior to fertility treatment showed that 54% were very likely to use
them for reproduction, 21% were very likely to donate to research, 7% were very
likely to donate to another couple and 6% were very likely to thaw and dispose
of the embryos. However, experts note that this decision often changes after IVF
where the majority of people opt to discard their embryos.

To help couples navigate this difficult terrain, Marie Davidson, clinical
psychologist with FCI offers the following guidelines:

1 Know Your Options: There are many different options for couples
to consider which include storing for future use, discarding (allowing
them to thaw and have a natural end) or donating to another family, or
to research. It’s important to know that not all embryos are
acceptable for donation, depending on quality and adherence to FDA
regulations.
2 Seek Professional Advice: First, speak with your physician,
then to a counselor who is familiar with assisted reproduction. If
donation to a family is of interest, talk to an attorney who is
skilled in reproductive law. Few states have any law regulating embryo
donation and legal risks are unknown.
3 Donate to Science: The advancement of stem cell research and
the overturn of the ban to use federal funds for the research have now
made this a more viable option. Check with your embryologist for
guidance, but also know that some stem cell programs may not accept
embryos if they are not the genetic material of both partners.
4 Donate to a Family: When donating to another family, there are
important issues to consider. Couples need to decide whether they
prefer an anonymous, closed arrangement, or an open donation. With
this, there may be contact between the families, and the children (who
would be genetic siblings) might meet each other. Regardless of the
choice, children may or may not try to meet the family they are
genetically connected to. Also, the receiving family may not be able
to use all the donated embryos and the destination of unused embryos
must be considered.
5 Take Your Time: This is a big decision, and it will take time
to come reach your final conclusion. Most importantly, it is crucial
for couples to agree on their decision. If necessary, attend more
counseling and let time help in decision resolution.

Fertility Centers of Illinois, S.C., is one of the nation's leading infertility
treatment practices, providing advanced reproductive endocrinology services in
the Chicago area for more than 30 years. With a team of nationally recognized
reproductive physicians, and half of all patients seeking treatment elsewhere
before finding success at FCI, the practice has earned a reputation for
overcoming hard-to-solve fertility issues. Due to the large number of patients
seen and high success rates recognized throughout the nation, all FCI
physicians, embryologists and support staff are stringently chosen based on
educational background, medical skills and their ability to collaborate. FCI is
part of IntegraMed, the nation's largest and most reputable network of fertility
centers and FCI has multiple offices conveniently located throughout the Chicago
area. For more information visit www.fcionline.com.

Media Contact:
Haylie Marchant
Catalyst Communications
773.366.9185
Haylie@catalystcommunications.us

Copyright Business Wire 2009