Infertility: Leftover embryos

Poll

Have you broached the topic of frozen embryos with your patients? What was their response?

The booming assisted reproduction industry has resulted in hundreds of thousands of frozen embryos kept in cold storage facilities across the nation. The matter of the eventual disposition of these embryos raises philosophical questions about the beginning of life, the definition of family, and even legal custody of the embryos. Increasingly, families, clinics and courts are being forced to grapple with these issues.

Have you broached the topic of frozen embryos with your patients? What was their response?

Preserve for future pregnancy attempts
Donate to other couples or agencies
Give to researchers
Discard
I have not had this discussion with my patients

Newsletter

Get the latest clinical updates, case studies, and expert commentary in obstetric and gynecologic care. Sign up now to stay informed.

Subscribe Now!
Recent Videos
Lisa Becht, MD, FACOG, sheds light on fertility awareness | Image Credit: havingbabies.com.
Connie Stark, RNC, PNC, provides fertility preservation insights for endometriosis patients | Image Credit: linkedin.com.
Connie Stark, RNC, PNC, highlights the benefits of fertility coaching for endometriosis | Image Credit: linkedin.com.
How advancements in IVF are impacting embryologist workload and patient care | Image Credit: fertility.coopersurgical.com/our_experts
How embryo testing reduces miscarriages and enhances IVF success | Image Credit: havingbabies.com.
Fertility counseling for oncology patients | Image Credit: allhealthtv.com
Fertility treatment challenges for Muslim women during fasting holidays | Image Credit: rmanetwork.com
Beth Garner, MD, MPH
Related Content
Contemporary OB/GYN week in review: Preeclampsia screening, BV treatment, and more | Image Credit: © Aleksey 159 - © Aleksey 159 - stock.adobe.com.

Contemporary OB/GYN week in review: Preeclampsia screening, BV treatment, and more

Celeste Krewson, Assistant Editor
June 13th 2025
Article

Review some of the top stories from the Contemporary OB/GYN website over the last week, and catch up on anything you may have missed.

Read More

Similar IVF outcomes reported for PPOS and GnRH antagonist protocols | Image Credit: © MedicalWorks - © MedicalWorks - stock.adobe.com.

Similar IVF outcomes reported for PPOS and GnRH antagonist protocols

Celeste Krewson, Assistant Editor
June 12th 2025
Article

A retrospective study finds comparable pregnancy rates between PPOS and GnRH antagonist protocols, with a trend toward improved blastocyst outcomes in PPOS cycles.

Read More

PCOS linked to delayed childbirth and higher infertility rates | Image Credit: © izkes - © izkes - stock.adobe.com.

PCOS linked to delayed childbirth and higher infertility rates

Celeste Krewson, Assistant Editor
June 6th 2025
Article

New research reveals women with polycystic ovary syndrome are more likely to experience infertility and give birth at an older age compared to women without the condition.

Read More

Infertility and fertility treatment linked to cervical insufficiency risk | Image Credit: © MedicalWorks - © MedicalWorks - stock.adobe.com.

Infertility and fertility treatment linked to cervical insufficiency risk

Celeste Krewson, Assistant Editor
May 15th 2025
Article

A study found that nulliparous women with infertility, especially those using fertility treatments, face increased odds of cervical insufficiency and related pregnancy complications.

Read More

Contemporary OB/GYN week in review: cardiac arrhythmias, menopause knowledge, and more | Image Credit: © Aleksey 159 - © Aleksey 159 - stock.adobe.com.

Contemporary OB/GYN week in review: cardiac arrhythmias, menopause knowledge, and more

Celeste Krewson, Assistant Editor
May 2nd 2025
Article

Review some of the top stories from the Contemporary OB/GYN website over the last week, and catch up on anything you may have missed.

Read More

Excess embryos reduced by optimizing fresh donor oocyte use | Image Credit: © nobeastsofierce - © nobeastsofierce - stock.adobe.com.

Excess embryos reduced by optimizing fresh donor oocyte use

Celeste Krewson, Assistant Editor
April 28th 2025
Article

Limiting the number of fresh donor oocytes fertilized can reduce excess embryo creation while maintaining high live birth rates.

Read More

© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.