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.

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!

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.

No, there is no cost to donate your embryos to our program. If we are able to accept your donation, our program will cover the shipping expenses. However, please be aware that the clinic or storage facility may charge release fees or require payment of any past-due storage costs. These are the responsibility of the donor, as our program does not cover them. Additionally, please note that embryo donors do not receive compensation for their 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.

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.

Yes, we would love to assist you. Please see AOK embryo donation guidelines for details and next steps to complete your pre-screening form.

While photos are not required, they are one of the most impactful parts of your profile. Families often feel a stronger connection when they can put a face to a story, and as a result, profiles with five or more photos tend to receive significantly more interest and are matched much more quickly.

We completely understand the importance of privacy, and you are always in control of what you choose to share. If you prefer to remain more anonymous, you might consider photos that highlight your physical features such as your eyes, hair, skin tone, the back of your head, or even baby photos. Even small glimpses can make a meaningful difference.

All photos are kept securely within your profile and are never publicly posted. They are only visible to registered recipients who are actively going through the matching process.

By adding photos, you’re helping intended parents feel more connected and confident in their decision, often making the journey to a match quicker and more meaningful for everyone involved.

Yes, being divorced or separated does not prevent you from donating your embryos. We’re happy to work with you!

As part of our process, we will need a copy of your divorce or separation decree. The document must clearly state that you have sole ownership of the embryos.

If sole ownership is not specified, your former spouse will need to also consent and be willing to sign the necessary documents to donate the embryos to our program.

If you have any questions, our team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.