Donor Embryos in India

There are two main types of embryo donation available in India:

• Frozen embryo donation: This is the most common type of embryo donation. Embryos are frozen after they are created through IVF and stored in a special tank until they are needed by a recipient couple.
• Fresh embryo donation: This is less common than frozen embryo donation. In this type of donation, embryos are created specifically for donation using eggs and sperm from anonymous donors.

Benefits of embryo donation:

• Affordability: Compared to other fertility treatments like egg or sperm donation.
• Genetic connection: Allows couples to have a child genetically related to one of them.
• Reduced emotional and physical challenges: Avoids challenges associated with egg or sperm retrieval.

Things to consider before pursuing embryo donation:

• Limited availability: Embryo availability can be limited due to various factors.
• Lower success rates: Success rates are generally lower than IVF with fresh eggs and sperm.
• Anonymity: Embryo donation in India is anonymous, and the identities of donors are not revealed.

Legal Restrictions:

It's important to understand the legal landscape surrounding embryo donation in India, which is regulated by the following acts:

• The Assisted Reproductive Techniques (Regulation) Act of 2008 (ART Act, 2008): This legislation laid down the legal structure for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in India, encompassing embryo donation However, it did not explicitly address several aspects of embryo donation, leading to ambiguity and variations in practices across different states.
• The Assisted Reproductive Techniques (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020 (ART Amendment Act, 2020): This act amended the ART Act, 2008, to address some of the shortcomings and provide more clarity on regulations concerning embryo donation. Key restrictions introduced in the 2020 amendment include:
  • Recipient couple restrictions: Only married infertile couples are eligible to receive donated embryos. Single individuals, same-sex couples, and live-in partners are not permitted.
  • Age restrictions: The recipient woman must be below 50 years old at the time of embryo transfer.
  • Counseling mandate: Both the donating and recipient couples must undergo mandatory counseling to ensure informed decision-making and address ethical and emotional considerations.
  • Confidentiality: Donor anonymity is maintained, and recipient couples cannot obtain information about the donors.