Cryostorage FAQ
What are my options when I no longer wish to continue storing my embryos?
When you no longer wish to continue storage of your embryos you must complete a consent form indicating your wishes for the future disposition of your embryos. That consent must be signed by both partners and the signatures must be witnessed. The witness must also sign the document and the document must be dated. The options are listed on the consent and couples must choose only one option.
The options for disposition of your embryos are as follows:
Destroyed – the embryos will be destroyed in the IVF lab after receipt of your consent. You will be notified by mail after the destruction. If you have a change of address prior to notification it is important that you inform the clinic.
Donated for medical research (including stem cell research) – the embryos will continue to be cryopreserved by the clinic until such time as they are released for research. In some cases, additional consent from you is required for specific types of stem cell research. You may or may not be contacted in the future for such consent.
Donated for use by an infertile couple – you will be contacted by mail with information describing your participation in the Embryo Donation Program. Donors are required to complete a detailed family history form, undergo blood tests to screen for infectious diseases and have a consultation with one of our counsellors prior to donation of their embryos. The consultation with a counsellor is usually done by telephone. A current mailing address must be maintained with the clinic. The following criteria are a requirement for couples wishing to donate their embryos.
1. female partner must be 37 years or younger at the time of egg retrieval
2. fertilization of the eggs must not have been done with intracytoplasmic sperm insertion (ICSI) (unless it was done for antisperm antibodies, previous vasectomy or failed fertilization). Embryo Donation program
Who should I speak to if I have questions about my embryos?
Please address questions specifically about your embryos to our Embryology lab. Our team of embryologists is best equipped to handle those questions. Any questions concerning the financial aspect of your embryo storage should be directed to the clinic business manager.
