Donated Embryos: A Gentle Guide
Embryo donation means a couple who finished their family gives their extra frozen embryos to another person or couple who hope to have a baby. In India it is regulated by the ART Act 2021, with consent and counselling for everyone involved. The transfer is much like a frozen embryo transfer (FET).
Donor treatment pathways
Medical reason confirmed
E.g. no eggs or very poor egg reserve, azoospermia, or genetic disease.
Counselling and consent
Both partners understand and give written consent.
Registered ART bank
Donors are screened; their identity is kept confidential by law.
Donor eggs
Donor's eggs are fertilised with partner's sperm; embryo goes to the recipient's womb.
Donor sperm
Used for IUI or IVF.
Donor embryos
Embryos donated by another couple through a registered bank.
Allowed in India only through registered ART clinics and banks, following the ART Act 2021.
Source: KedVia original diagram · KedVia medical illustration team