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Adoption, not Donation

Exploring Embryo Adoption

By Tracy Doerr

"The best programs are the ones that require counseling and comprehensive psychological testing of both the donating and adoptive couples so they have a true understanding of what's ahead," Dr. Adamson says.

Nightlight Christian Adoptions Snowflake Program is a good example. An adoptive home study is mandatory, as well as a letter from your physician stating that you have no contraindications to pregnancy. Potential adoptive parents also must prepare a short biography called "Dear Genetic Parent" and provide a photo. Once the paperwork is completed, the process of matching families begins.

For many infertile couples desperate to bond with their adoptive child prior to birth, the process is worth it. Lucinda Borden and her husband, John, of West Covina, Calif., tried to have children for almost five years without success. "The biggest attractio of embryo adoption is that I could carry the baby," Borden says. "I wanted to be pregnant, and this was my opportunity. I also liked the fact that it was an adoption process, and not just a donation. We had to go through the same home study as any other adoption. We know who the genetic family is, and so will our children."

The Bordens keep in contact with the genetic family via e-mail, and the families have met in person. "My advice is to find out from your doctor first if this is even an option," Borden says. "We decided if it didn't work, we wouldn't have children. There were not a lot of cons to weigh. The cons were in adoption itself. It is a risk. It doesn't work for everyone, you have to decide whether or not to take the chance."

Want to see more?

• High Tech Babies: In vitro Fertilization
• High Tech Babies: Artificial Insemination
• Donor Egg and Sperm
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!

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