Looking for an RE in DC area sensitive to IVF ethical concerns

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am looking to transfer my PGS normal and abnormal embryos to cryo preservation facility. I do not discuss these concerns with any REs because I know they would think I am crazy/unusual for not wanting to discard PGS abnormals or not wanting to abort a pregnancy. I just make these arrangements by myself and keep quiet about my moral/ethical views.

I don't think not wanting to abort is that unusual (and certainly not crazy). I'd hope REs would be respectful enough to deal with an individual's choices even if they're different from what they'd do. W/r/t abnormal embryos, most REs won't transfer them, so that is also something to think about if you're not OK with keeping them frozen indefinitely. I've seen posts on other sites where REs who question the accuracy of PGS will transfer abnormal embryos, so it may be possible to find someone to transfer them if you look hard enough.

It's certainly not common in DC. I never bring up my personal beliefs to REs in DC area for fear of being judged for not wanting to discard embryos or "terminate" a pregnancy.

[Anonymous]

Maybe you can donate them to science? That way you’re not throwing them away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe you can donate them to science? That way you’re not throwing them away.

But it is ending their potential for life.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks for the opinions. Thanks particularly to the posters recommending Dominion (lots of votes for Dominion!) and Dr. Gordon and Dr. Mattina. Glad to know there are others out there who found a way to navigate this tricky field.

We do know of other options like donation/science/compassionate transfer, so thanks for the suggestions but none of those are compatible with our beliefs so we are going the minimization route. We do know it will be more expensive and possibly unpopular with REs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe you can donate them to science? That way you’re not throwing them away.

You can't donate embyros to science.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe you can donate them to science? That way you’re not throwing them away.

You can't donate embyros to science.

Yes you can. I just signed a release to donate unused embryos at Cornell for research,

[Anonymous]

You already started “playing God” when you started fertility treatments, why are you Getting squimish? Science is making the life, not god.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - thanks for the opinions. Thanks particularly to the posters recommending Dominion (lots of votes for Dominion!) and Dr. Gordon and Dr. Mattina. Glad to know there are others out there who found a way to navigate this tricky field.

We do know of other options like donation/science/compassionate transfer, so thanks for the suggestions but none of those are compatible with our beliefs so we are going the minimization route. We do know it will be more expensive and possibly unpopular with REs.

I loved Dr. Gordon, though we weren't navigating through the same decision process as you. He's very kind and understanding and I'm sure would work with you. I actually feel like I read something on his blog about working with a couple who had made decisions along the same lines as you.

[Anonymous]

What would be the reason to keep PGS abnormal embryos? I’m not being snarky as I just signed to have the embryos brought home. Now I’m second guessing my decision.

[Anonymous]

I think there should be an option to store extra embryos in case of population collapse - keep em frozen for 2 generations and then allow them to be "adopted" after your children pass away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What would be the reason to keep PGS abnormal embryos? I’m not being snarky as I just signed to have the embryos brought home. Now I’m second guessing my decision.

I mean, if you care that much about the sancity of life, abnormal should not make a difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think there should be an option to store extra embryos in case of population collapse - keep em frozen for 2 generations and then allow them to be "adopted" after your children pass away.

Interesting.... and what would be the standard number of years for that? 150? Who would pay for that, the government?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there should be an option to store extra embryos in case of population collapse - keep em frozen for 2 generations and then allow them to be "adopted" after your children pass away.

Interesting.... and what would be the standard number of years for that? 150? Who would pay for that, the government?

A nonprofit. Kind of like a seed bank. Or the government is an option too. 100 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What would be the reason to keep PGS abnormal embryos? I’m not being snarky as I just signed to have the embryos brought home. Now I’m second guessing my decision.

I mean, if you care that much about the sancity of life, abnormal should not make a difference.

If someone cared all that much then they should not be pursuing fertility treatments IMO. Many people do end up with extra embryos.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, it will cost more no matter how you go about it. If you do a natural cycle IVF it would work out financially less only if you're successful on the 1st try.

Not necessarily ... I did a round of NCIVF got an embryo but it didn’t implant. Cost me 6,000. Then I did IVF and only retrieved 3 eggs and only one of them made it to an embryo. IVF is A LOT more expensive with not necessarily better outcomes.