Ask Away—We Love Curious Intended Parents
What is embryo adoption?
Embryo adoption is a unique family-building option that allows intended parents to experience pregnancy and childbirth using donated embryos. These embryos are generously donated by couples who have undergone fertility treatments. Their selfless act provides an opportunity for other couples or individuals to fulfill their dream of becoming parents. Depending on the choice of the embryo donor, they may choose to remain non identified/anonymous, have a semi-open, or an open relationship with the intended parents. The process involves matching with a donor, completing intended parent agreements for the transfer of ownership of the embryos, and undergoing a frozen embryo transfer (FET) at a fertility clinic. Unlike traditional adoption, embryo adoption enables intended parents to experience pregnancy and childbirth.
How do I match with an embryo donor?
If you’d like to match with a donated embryo from Acts of Kindness Embryo Donation (AOK), here’s how the process works:
1. Register & Create Your Profile
Start by registering for free access to our exclusive embryo database. This will allow you to explore available embryos and begin your journey.
👉 Register Here: https://aokembryos.eggdonorconnect.com/registration
2. Talk to us!
Once registered, we’ll reach out to discuss your embryo donor preferences, where you are at on your journey, and next steps. We’ll also assist you with any questions you may have.
3. Browse Available Embryos
After you've registered for access to our embryo database, you'll be able to view the profiles of our available embryos. Each profile includes relevant details to help you find the best match for your family-building journey.
4. Matching & Medical Approval
Once you’ve selected a potential match, we’ll facilitate the process of finalizing the adoption request. Your fertility clinic will need to review the embryo donors' medical history and confirm that they will accept the embryos on your behalf. If you do not currently have a clinic, we recommend our partner clinic, Arbor Fertility, as they have preapproved all our embryos.
5. Transfer of Ownership Agreements
We’ll assist with the donor and intended parent agreements for the transfer of ownership that is required for embryo donation. If needed, we will also coordinate the safe shipment of the embryos to your clinic.
6. Embryo Transfer & Your Journey to Parenthood
Once everything is finalized and the embryos have arrived at your chosen clinic, you’ll work with them to prepare for your frozen embryo transfer (FET). From here, we’ll ask that you provide us with updates, and we'll continue to offer support as you take the next exciting steps toward growing your family!
Do you have an age limit for intended parents?
The age restrictions for frozen embryo transfers will be determined by the fertility clinic you are working with. Acts of Kindness (AOK) has a recipient age limit of 55 when it comes to matching with embryos. Our partner clinic will accept patients 54 and under. If you are 55 or older please message us before requesting a match.
Can I match with an embryo even though I am single?
Yes, we believe that every individual should have a right to become a parent, and welcome single recipients.
What are my options if I do not use all the embryos I adopt?
Option 1: Donate Them Back to AOK
This is the preferred and easiest option. Acts of Kindness (AOK) will accept the unused embryos back into our program for donation. There are no charges to donate embryos back, and this option allows you to continue spreading hope by giving the joy of life to another family. Please note, this option does not provide compensation for the embryos.
Option 2: Discard the Embryos
If you have completed your family and do not wish to find a recipient for the remaining embryos, you may choose to discard them. This option is always available should you decide it is the best choice for you. Please note, this option does not provide compensation for the embryos.
Option 3: Private Matching
As the owners of the embryos, you have the option to gift the embryos to a recipient of your choosing through private matching. This allows you to personally select and transfer the embryos to another individual or couple. Any subsequent donation of embryos must align with the original donors stated preferences and AOK must also preapprove the request. Reach out to us directly if choosing this option. Please note, this option does not provide compensation for the embryos.
Can I adopt embryos from more than one donor?
Yes, we allow you to adopt embryos from more than one donor at a time, if the donor has less than 2 embryos available. Feel free to reach out to us to discuss this option in further detail.
Can I match with embryos if I am using a gestational surrogate?
● Yes, however, you must select an embryo profile that has had all of the FDA required testing.
● Your clinic must also accept the profile that you intend to match with, prior to finalizing the transfer of ownership.
● If you are working with a surrogacy agency, each has their own process, and it is important to find out their guidelines before moving forward.
● There is a medical and legal process that is required. We can help connect you with agencies, and attorneys that specialize in reproductive law.
Tiny Embryos, Big Questions? We’ve Got You Covered.
Explain the embryo grading and/or PGT-A testing?
● Embryo grading is a process where a trained embryologist evaluates the quality of embryos during fertility treatments. They look at factors like cell number, symmetry, and appearance to determine which embryos are most likely to result in a successful pregnancy. This helps guide decisions for treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and improves the chances of having a healthy baby. However, it is not a guarantee.
● During IVF, doctors use PGT-A testing to check the number of chromosomes in each embryo. They want to make sure the embryos are healthy before putting them back in the uterus for a possible pregnancy. A normal embryo has 23 pairs of chromosomes, which adds up to 46 chromosomes.
● The most widely used embryo grading scale for blastocysts is the Gardner Grading Scale. See ASRM guidelines: https://www.asrm.org/asrm-academy/asrm-academy-on-the-go/embryo-data-grading--evaluation/grading-scales/
● Embryos that have not undergone PGT-A have equivalent success rates compared to PGT-A embryos
What is the difference between Closed or Non-Identified, Semi-Open, and Open Embryo Adoption Cases?
Non-Identified/Closed: In non-identified adoption cases, both the donor and intended parent maintain anonymity, with no exchange of identifying information. Our team facilitates the matching process and manages all necessary transfer details, ensuring a seamless and confidential experience for both parties. Registration in EDC Nexus is optional but will allow you to view and share medical and lifestyle updates with each other.
Semi-Open: Semi-open adoptions offer a middle ground, granting donors the option to maintain contact with recipients while preserving certain privacy boundaries. Through our partner platform, EDC Nexus, limited communication is monitored, allowing for updates on medical and lifestyle matters in real-time. Additionally, donors and recipients can choose to communicate through the platform, fostering a connection while respecting individual preferences.
Open: For those hoping to build a more open and personal connection, open adoption arrangements allow for full sharing of identities and contact information between both parties once a match is officially made.While communication typically takes place within the Nexus platform, you’re welcome to connect outside of it — including meeting in person — if both parties mutually agree.Our team supports these matches by providing access to EDC Nexus for direct and transparent communication. However, please note that we do not monitor or manage any communication or meetings that occur outside the platform.
What is the purpose of the EDC Nexus platform?
EDC Nexus is a unique registry designed to support embryo donors, their families -- and families created through their donations -- by keeping all parties updated on significant changes in medical histories. Members can easily share health-related and lifestyle information, or report changes as they happen, via a concise questionnaire, promoting the health and well-being of everyone connected to this journey. Additionally, EDC Nexus facilitates optional communication through a secure messaging platform to ensure privacy and ease of connection between donors and intended parents.
Do you provide medical care?
No, we are an embryo donation matching service.
Act of Kindness Embryo Donation does not perform any medical procedure or give any medical advice. We will always suggest and encourage that you speak with a medical professional for any medical questions prior to completing a match with us.
Do you have a medical clinic that you can recommend?
Yes, we work with Arbor Fertility which is located in Chesterfield, Missouri. You may learn all about them by going to their website: www.arbor-fertility.com
To schedule an in-person appointment: Phone: 314-806-2229 Use Referral Code: AOK for a $50 discount on your initial consultation with Dr. Shvetha Zarek. This discount can only be applied for patients that are *self-pay.
To schedule a virtual appointment: www.arbor-fertility.com/treatment-options/virtual-fertility-care
Use Referral Code: AOK for a $50 discount on your initial virtual consultation with Dr. Shvetha Zarek. This discount can only be applied for patients that are *self-pay.
If you are 45-55 or above, Arbor requires a consultation with your primary care provider (stress test), maternal fetal medicine physician, and a psychological screening. If cleared, each provider will provide you with a letter of medical clearance. Please let us know if you'd like a referral to any of these sources.
AOK and Arbor Fertility have created a bundle that includes the FET treatment, check out our next section for cost related questions!
Do you ship to other clinics?
Yes, we can ship to your clinic as long as you have been medically cleared by your provider, and they accept the embryo profile you are interested in matching with. We suggest speaking with us and your clinic prior to reserving, transferring ownership, or shipping embryos. We have an internal process for shipping and use a third-party carrier. The cost for shipping in the US ranges from: $720.00-$850.00 depending on the carrier and options chosen, international shipments will require a quote to be sent. Contact us if you have any questions.
Do you have religious affiliation?
No, we do not have a religious affiliation. We welcome and support individuals from all backgrounds.
Costs, Coverage & Cryo: What You Need to Know
What is the cost to match with donated embryo(s)?
On average, for a single embryo adoption with FET treatment most families spend between $10,000-$20,000 depending on the adoption type and additional services requested.
All intended parents receive the same flat fee ($7,000) for a donor’s full cohort of embryos with us. By including the set of embryos in our package fees, we hope to open more doors for our intended parents who are looking for affordable family planning options.
We have also partnered with Arbor Fertility to create a new self-pay bundle that includes the FET treatment all for $10,000.00!!
Package Includes:
Our Matching Services: Personalized matching to find the perfect embryo for your family, lifetime access to our database, records management, and admin fees.
Embryo Ownership Document Preparation and Execution: Professional assistance to ensure all ownership documents are in order, execution of transfer of ownership of the embryo(s), personalized summary of all embryo related records, shipping and/or treatment coordination with your receiving clinic.
Arbor Fertility Services: Up to 3 Ultrasounds, One Ultrasound Guided Embryo Transfer, One Virtual Follow Up Visit for Results, 1st year of embryo storage fees waived.
Does not Include:
EDC Nexus (Monitored Donor and Intended Parent Communication Dashboard) $500 Lifetime membership- This fee applies to all Semi-Open & Open embryo adoptions.
Processing Fees: 3% for credit card payments, $25.00 for bank transfers
Medications - Typically ranges from $800-$1,000
(Self-pay but can be billed to insurance.)
Diagnostic Testing and Infectious Disease screening - Estimated $300
(Self-pay but can be billed to insurance.)
Is it the same flat fee for 1 versus 20+ embryos?
Yes, we keep it simple! Our fees are a flat $7,000 whether you adopt from a donor with a single embryo or one that has multiple embryos. If you plan to adopt from more than one donor, please reach out to us.
Do you bill insurance for the embryo matching services?
No, however, we do offer financing options, and our partner clinic does accept insurance for the FET treatment.
Do you offer Financing?
Yes, we work with several different lenders such as Future Family, Capex, and Lending Club for lending. You can find a link to each of their websites by clicking on their logos on our resources page.
Can you guarantee that the donated embryo(s) will thaw correctly?
Over 95% of vitrified embryos successfully survive the thawing process. However, it is important to understand that no process is able to provide an absolute guarantee. We suggest you match with more than one embryo if this is a worry of yours.
We do accept slow freeze embryos that have a lower thaw/success rate, as we believe all embryo(s) deserve a chance at life. If you match with one of these, please have your lab team review the thaw protocol to ensure they are comfortable with the thawing requirements.
Do you have an embryologist I can speak with?
We work with Alease Daniels, an accomplished Embryologist and educator. You may book a consultation with her after registering as a recipient in our database, speaking with the AOK team, and selecting a few profiles.
The consultation fee is $200, however, when booking use the code: AOK to receive a $50 discount.
Donor FAQs: Frozen Embryos, Warm Support
What is embryo donation?
Embryo donation is a process where couples or individuals who have undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) choose to donate their remaining frozen embryos to another couple or individual. Intended parents match with embryos rather than a fully developed child. The donating individual or family releases ownership of the embryo(s), which is then transferred to the intended parent(s), allowing them to experience pregnancy and childbirth. Unlike traditional adoption, where parents adopt an already born infant, embryo adoption enables the intended parent to carry their genetically unrelated child. It’s a unique way for families to grow and give embryos a chance for life.
What is the process if I want to donate my embryos?
At Acts of Kindness Embryo Donation, we strive to make the donation process simple and seamless for our donors. Here’s an overview of the steps involved:
1. Complete an Online Profile
Begin by filling out our donor profile to provide us with essential information about you and your embryos. The application must be completed within 30 days to avoid automatic rejection.
2. Sign a Medical Release Form
Once your profile is submitted, we’ll provide a medical release form for you to sign. This allows us to obtain the necessary medical records related to your embryos. If you have a partner the release will go to you first and then to your partner to complete. Note: Some clinics, labs or storage facilities may require that you complete their internal request before releasing any records to us. Example: ReproTech, Baystate, Johns Hopkins. Please reach out to them and complete their release forms.
3. Lab Review for Acceptance
After receiving your records, our partner lab will review the information to determine if we can accept the embryos into our program. We will notify you if we can accept or if are unable to accept.
4. Donor Agreement
If the embryos are eligible, we will send you a donor agreement tailored to your chosen preferences: closed, semi-open, or open.
5. Secure Storage
Once the agreement is finalized, we will move your embryos to our partner lab for secure storage while we work to find a match.
6. Storage Fees
We cover storage fees for up to two years. If a match is not found within this timeframe, you will be responsible for continued storage costs of $400 per year until a match is made.
We are honored to assist you through this journey of kindness and generosity. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us!
How long does the donation process take?
Our process is simple and straightforward. Completing your donor profile can take as little as 30 minutes. After that, the timeline largely depends on how quickly we receive the necessary medical records from your clinic. On average, we can have your donation reviewed and ready for matching within 2 weeks of your initial contact with us.
Are there any costs to me as a donor?
No, if we can accept your donation, we will take care of the shipping cost. There is no cost to donate your embryos to our program. Also, no compensation is provided. Please understand that embryo donor(s) cannot be compensated for donating their embryo(s).
What type of embryos do you accept for donation?
We review all embryo donations on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility. However, here are some general standards we follow:
We accept euploid (chromosomally normal) and untested embryos.
We do not accept abnormal embryos.
High-level mosaic embryos are not accepted; low-level mosaics may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
We prefer that the genetic female or oocyte source was 37 or younger at the time of the IVF cycle. This is a preference, not a requirement—we encourage you to apply even if you were older, as all cases are reviewed individually.
If FDA-required infectious disease testing was not done at the time of embryo creation, we will ask that you complete updated labs or sign a waiver declining the additional testing.
We strive to be thoughtful and inclusive in our evaluations, so please don't hesitate to reach out with your specific circumstances.
Can I donate if my embryos were created a long time ago?
Yes, you can still donate embryos that were created some time ago. If FDA-required infectious disease testing was not completed at the time of your embryo creation, we will ask that you either have updated labs drawn prior to donation or sign a waiver declining the additional testing. We do accept untested embryos, Day 3 embryos, and blastocysts. Grading and freeze methods can vary, and all donations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please don’t let lower-graded embryos or use of the slow freeze method deter you from applying—we’re happy to evaluate your embryos individually.
Will you accept my embryo donation even if I have one embryo?
Yes, we would love to assist you. Please see AOK embryo donation guidelines for details and next steps to complete your pre-screening form.
Gifting Life? Let’s Talk Details.
Can I withdraw my donation after being matched?
No, once a match has been processed and confirmed, the intended parent assumes legal ownership of the donated embryos, and the donation is considered final.
However, if you change your mind before a match is made, you may withdraw your donation. Simply notify us, and we will assist with the return of your embryos to your possession.
Disclaimer: Personhood Laws Surrounding Embryo Donation I/we understand that the state or locality in which the donated embryo(s) are stored by AOK or its agents—or the federal government—may enact laws assigning personhood and all associated rights to the embryo (“Personhood Laws”). In such cases, I/we understand that AOK may, at its sole discretion, return the cryopreserved embryos to me/us. If this occurs, I/we agree to receive and store the returned embryos in compliance with all applicable state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations. I/we further agree that AOK and its agents will not be held civilly liable by me/us (or my/our agents) for any actions arising from such Personhood Laws.
Will I get to choose the intended parents of my embryos?
No, AOK facilitates match requests on your behalf. Matches are made based on the donation preferences you specify in your donor profile, ensuring alignment with your values and intentions while maintaining a smooth and respectful process for all parties involved.
Is the donation anonymous or open? Can I choose?
Yes, you can choose the level of openness that feels right for you. We offer three types of donation arrangements:
Non-Identified/Closed: In this type of donation, both the donor and intended parent remain anonymous. No identifying information is shared, and our team handles all aspects of the match and transfer process to ensure confidentiality and a smooth experience.
Semi-Open: This option allows for limited, monitored communication through our partner platform, EDC Nexus. Donors can receive updates on medical or lifestyle matters, and both parties have the option to connect within the platform while maintaining privacy boundaries.
Open: For donors who prefer a more transparent and ongoing relationship, open donations involve full disclosure of identities and direct communication, typically via personal email. Matches are facilitated through EDC Nexus, where both families can remain in touch and even meet in person, if desired.
We support all three paths and are here to help you choose the arrangement that best aligns with your comfort level and preferences.
What happens if no match is made?
We will keep your profile open for a period of 2 years. After that time, if a match still has not been found, we will contact you to discuss your preferred next steps.
You’ll have the option to either: discard the embryo(s), keep your profile active by paying the yearly storage fees until a match is made, or transfer the embryo(s) back into your ownership.
How are embryos matched with recipients?
At AOK, we oversee all embryo matches based on the preferences you’ve selected within your donor profile. These may include openness level, family structure, or other important values.
If you have any additional preferences you'd like us to consider during the matching process, just let us know—we’re happy to notate them in our database to ensure we honor your wishes as closely as possible.
Will I be informed if a child is born from my embryos?
Yes—if you choose this option in the preference section of your donor profile, we will notify you if a child is born from your embryos. This is entirely up to you, and we’re here to honor the level of information and involvement you’re comfortable with.
Can I donate to someone I know?
No, AOK only facilitates matches made through our program. We do not offer assistance with private or directed donations to individuals outside of our matching system.