Surrogacy with Frozen Shipped Embryos
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Surrogacy with Frozen Shipped Embryos

The freezing of gametes and embryos has completely changed the process of fertilization. Couples who have had problems with conceiving and having biological children have had the process made easier by surrogacy and the concept of freezing and transporting embryos. The shipping of frozen embryos or gametes is gradually becoming a popular demand as more patients change locations and desire to ship their frozen eggs or embryos to their new location. It can also come into play when a couple wants to use donated eggs or even donated frozen embryos which were sourced from a clinic that is out of the country where they reside for their surrogacy program.

surrogacy with frozen shipped embryo intro
Picture courtesy: Global IVF Medical Fertility Tourism

Freezing embryos

The entire process begins with an egg and a sperm donor. This is usually collected at a clinic that specializes in the IVF process. The eggs are harvested and the sperm is collected from either the intended parents or from donors. The collected eggs and sperm are then mixed to achieve fertilization and an embryo is formed. When the embryo is transferred to the uterus of the surrogate a few days after fertilization, it is termed a fresh embryo transfer. A frozen embryo transfer occurs after the embryo has been frozen for some time. There are many reasons why a couple may choose to freeze their embryos rather than immediately transferring them into the surrogate’s uterus.

The main reason is that frozen embryos have an advantage as they allow the surrogate to have an extended period to prepare their body for pregnancy. It also allows the intended parents not to be in a rush to transfer their embryos. Freezing embryos can also help international intended parents find a surrogate in any country that they choose. They may not want to use surrogates that are from the same country that they are in. They may be inclined to seek the possibility of transporting their frozen embryo for surrogacy in another country. This can be made possible when the embryo is frozen and made ready for transport.

What is the best process of preservation of these gametes for transport purposes?

Vitrification is a more efficient method of cryopreserving gametes and embryos than slow freezing. However, vitrification is a tasking process and requires the careful handling of the said gametes. The temperature has to be strictly kept below -120 degrees Celsius or the eggs or embryos could be permanently damaged. Alternatively, the slow-frozen eggs can tolerate a temperature rise of up to -20 degree Celsius. 

For normal long-term storage, cryopreserved eggs and embryos are kept in storage tanks which are filled with liquid nitrogen (-196 Celsius). This temperature ensures that all biological processes are halted and consequently the stored oocytes and embryos can be kept for years and still be viable. It is very imperative, however, that the temperature is kept stable which is why clinics have to constantly refill the storage tanks with fresh liquid nitrogen.

So to ship these eggs and embryos, while constantly maintaining the temperature range, becomes a huge challenge. The problem is solved by placing the eggs and embryos in a shipping flask, this flask cannot be filled with liquid nitrogen because of flight rules and risks involved. This is gotten around by filling the inner surface of the flask with retention foam which acts like a sponge, absorbing some of the nitrogen and releasing only vapor. This can regulate or maintain the temperature between -150 and -190 Celsius for up to a week, which should be sufficient time for the transport of the egg or embryos.

Most clinics will rely on courier companies like UPS to pick up and deliver the containers to the recipient clinic. The receiving clinic then unpacks the containers and places the eggs or embryos into their storage tanks until the couple or individual is ready to use them.

What is the cost of transporting embryos?

What is the cost of transporting embryos?
Picture courtesy: Made in the USA Surrogacy

If the distance between the two clinics is relatively short, that is if both clinics are within the same city, hand delivery by the couple that owns the embryo may be considered. This may cost next to nothing for the couple. The cost to ship embryos for a longer distance within the same country using courier services may cost within the range of 200-400 dollars. This amount varies depending on the service chosen or the arrangement the shipping clinic has with shipping companies. Shipping internationally can cost in the region of 1k dollars or more depending on the destination. Shipping internationally also comes with several laws and regulations. It also involves all sorts of paperwork and may be quite complicated. It is important to ensure that the clinic or the shipping company used has the necessary experience or qualification to handle international shipping.

What are the laws governing the shipping of embryos and gametes?

It is crucial for intended parents that will seek the help of donors, whether egg, sperm or even embryo donors, in growing their families to be cautious about accepting advice in importing or exporting gametes from individuals or agencies that may be receiving a commission for the services. It is essential to go through the proper channels or get specific legal advice that is pertinent to the couple’s unique circumstance or situation. Also, it is good to thoroughly research before exporting or importing gametes or embryos in any country. It is advisable to do the research before even creating the embryos in the first place. 

Generally, there are restrictions on the transport of gametes and embryos. It is also easier to transport gametes and embryos that were created from the intended parents than it is with the ones created from donors. There are also restrictions when the donors were paid rather than when the donations were altruistic. The donors’ details and information have to be well documented so that the children from that donation can access the information should they choose to when they get older.

Conclusion 

It is very possible for intended parents who live internationally to ship their embryos to another country for the purpose of surrogacy. The couple should make the necessary research and find out the particular laws governing the surrogacy process in those countries and make sure to strictly adhere to them. Thanks to the technology of embryo freezing, shipping or transportation of embryos have been fulfilling the desire of intended parents to build a family of their own wherever they want.

The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is not intended to replace professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health. Read more

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