Fertility specialist stresses importance of use of the term ‘embryo donation’ versus ‘embryo adoption’

Following the recent release of a report by The Ethics Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) on the definition of embryo donation, Dr. Craig R. Sweet, a reproductive endocrinologist and medical director of Specialists in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery is responding in support of ASRM, and against recent criticism of the report, regarding the use of the terms embryo donation and embryo adoption.

According to the ASRM report, “embryos are deserving of special respect, but they are not afforded the same status as persons. Adoption refers to a specific legal procedure that establishes or transfers parentage of existing children.”

With a focus on providing embryo donation services to patients searching for family-building options, Dr. Sweet has reviewed the literature and responded in support of ASRM’s latest findings.

“While the terms ‘embryo adoption’ and ‘embryo donation’ are often used interchangeably, there are real differences between the two,” says Dr. Sweet. “This is not simply a case of splitting hairs; using the correct terminology has tremendous social, ethical and legal implications. Many medical practices use the term ‘embryo adoption’ in their title and/or literature while other facilities, such as Embryo Donation International have resisted the use of ‘embryo adoption.’”

To view Dr. Sweet’s entire response including definitions of terms, please visit https://www.dreamababy.com/donation-not-adoption.php

Specialists in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, P.A. is a reproductive endocrinology practice providing comprehensive and compassionate reproductive endocrine care including IVF, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), egg donation, embryo donation, gestational surrogacy, conventional surrogacy, oocyte cryopreservation, cryopreservation of ovarian/testicular tissue, sex selection, gynecology, genetics, endocrinology as well as menopausal diagnostic and treatment services.

For more information, visit www.dreamababy.com His blog may be reviewed at http://www.SweetFertility.com Become a fan of Dr. Sweet on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.