I am reaching out to your collective knowledge and wisdom today. We found out recently that our (neighbors) donors cannot donate their embryos to us. The egg donor they used was deemed "ineligible" for further donations because the testing done was not in accordance with the FDA regulations which took effect on May 23, 2005. Even though our neighbors TOLD the clinic they would want to donate any remaining embryos, the clinic missed a critical date when doing the blood work testing on the egg donor. Instead of testing the egg donor for STDs 30 days prior (or less) to the transfer date, they tested her 42 days prior to the transfer date. For whatever reason they didn't test her within the window of time for later tissue donation, but it was okay for donation at the time into the recipient? I don't understand it!!! I have talked to everyone I can think of and my clinic and theirs and we still don't know WHY. These laws make no sense in the world of embryo donation. I am SO VERY upset.
The clinic they worked with told them that they cannot ever EVER donate these embryos within the US. FUCKING EVER!!! Of course our neighbors always assumed they could donate and they are extremely upset and talking about suing the clinic, but honestly they probably signed some kind of waiver of those rights. It's not realistic.
The bottom line is that with no other options left I am now looking for a way to ship these embryos to a fertility center outside of the US so I can transfer them there. I don't even know if this is possible, if another clinic will take this on! At any rate, for the sake of infertile women/couples they still want to be sure the embryos are used. So they want them shipped out of the US as well.
So I ask you...do you know anyone who has shipped donor embryos or their own embryos outside of the US to be transferred in another country, for these reasons (to circumvent the FDA) or for cost reasons (cheaper in Canada or Mexico), or just because they had the procedure done in another country and want their embryos with them?
I have a favor to ask too? Will you pose this question on your blog and or IF board so I can get to a broader group of people? I will be asking Mel for that today, since her readership is through the roof.
If you are one of those people sitting on a pile of embryos and want them to go to a good home...we would gladly take them, love them, nurture them, and spend our lives adoring them.
I cannot believe that I am living on this roller coaster. I feel so close and so far away. I feel like I am slowly going insane. I have been a mess since learning this. I will write more about these feelings later.
7 comments:
OK, not an expert. But when were the embryos created? Before the rule went into effect? That might make a difference. Also, is the donor willing to be tested now? That might make a difference too, if the tests came back all negative.
Believe me, I find these rules VERY confusing, but here is a link to the Q & A. http://www.fda.gov/cber/rules/hctdnrq&a.htm
Is your clinic saying that they don't understand why the embryos couldn't be donated? Then, why doesn't the couple transfer the embryos to your clinic? Don't they own them?
I'm kind of confused. I'm so sorry that you are on this roller coaster.
One more thought -- why don't you e-mail Tertia (tertiaa@gmail.com) from http://www.tertia.org/so_close/?
She seems to be on great terms with her RE and often encourages people to do cycles at their clinic in South Africa. She claims it is much, much cheaper.
Daisy, since I live in Canada, I am looking into something for you.
Another option, do you live anywhere near MI or WI? I have another option that might work.
Don't give up hope.
Email me for details if you have the time.
Kathy
Hi Daisy - I did my DE in South Africa. Cape Fertility Clinic in Capetown, Dr Paul LeRoux. Here is his email address and a link to the center: pleroux@absamail.co.za
http://www.capefertilityclinic.co.za/index.asp?
He is amazing about responding. Email him and ask him whether it is legal do to this and whether you can arrange with him. Everything there should be incredibly reasonable re: price - you'll just have to look for the right time to get good airfare if it works.
Oh, good luck! That is really crazy that two people who know each other still have to follow the rules. It doesn't make sense.
I know two ladies who recently cycled with DE and both are pg with twins - as well as 24 embryos in the freezer between the two of them. I know they will be looking to donate down the road so if this doesn't work out, keep me in mind.
I can't be helpful with the legal problem you currently face. If that situation doesn't work out, what about embryo adoption programs? Newsweek carried a story about one organization called Snowflakes (link below). Problem is that this is a born-again group. There must be other embryo adoption programs, though. Hoping the best for you.
http://www.nightlight.org/snowflakefaqsap.htm#Eligibility
I wish I had some good advice or suggestions for you, but I don't.
If you'd like something frivolous to do while you sort this out, I've tagged you for a meme. Check out my current post if you feel up to doing it.
Post a Comment