Embryo Donation & COVID-19 Update – What you need to know
Updated 4/8/21
As so much of our lives are impacted by this unprecedented world health event, fertility has, in many ways, been put on hold. At Embryo Connections, we are working to help minimize the impact on your family building. Below please find our Q&A to address some of the more pressing issues. We will update this communication to reflect the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s announcements.
What is happening at fertility clinics across the country?
While infertility is considered a disease and reproductive procedures are not considered elective, ASRM considered the health and safety of clinic staff and patients, and the scarcity of critical health safety resources, to move to minimal operations in the early wave of the pandemic. ASRM (Reproductive medicine’s governing body) and state authorities recommended or mandated that procedures be postponed and appointments shift to tele-health where possible. In a poll of 1000 reproductive professionals in Apr 2020, 80% of clinics cancelled April and many May cycles. As of early April, they were planning for the future, eagerly waiting for the directive to re-establish normal operations, albeit with an expected “new normal” with respect to infectious disease protocols, to be determined. UPDATE 5/15/20 - In early May, ASRM issued recommendations to begin the process of re-opening practices, taking all necessary precautions for the health and safety of patients and employees. Many clinics immediately began scheduling cycles, such that patients are cycling for May and June procedures. UPDATE 6/9/20 - Fertility practices rehired furloughed workers, and most re-started procedures. Many started up slowly, as they brought back staff and assess how to keep everyone safe. In the fall 2020 wave, most clinics have been able to keep their practices operating, albeit in the new normal. UPDATE 4/8/21 Practices are conducting all standard procedures, and many have added telehealth as an option for appointments that don’t require an in person visit. Current policies ask that only patients attend visits, without children, partners, or other supporting friends and family.
How is COVID-19 affecting embryo donation?
Embryo donation is MOVING FORWARD. Because Embryo Connections already utilizes remote processes, we are able to continue our important work of embryo donations. The Embryo Connections team can still match, facilitate clinic approvals, and establish legal ownership of embryos, so that when the restrictions lift, recipients are in a good position to resume treatment plans. We are not slowing down, though we experienced a few expected hurdles in April - May 2020:
Clinics were short staffed, so medical records and approvals were slower than usual. UPDATE 4/8/21: Clinics are catching up on lost time last year, so they are busier than ever!
Embryo Donor eligibility may be delayed when labs and physical exams are required. Some receiving clinics have accepted that physical exams may be waived due to inability to see a physician for a well visit.
Some cycles are delayed by wider gaps between procedures on procedure days - therefore scheduling less procedures.
Treatment backlogs for embryo transfers as clinics gradually come back online. UPDATE 4/8/21: Transfers appear to be back on schedule.
Is it okay to donate/receive embryos during COVID-19?
YES. In fact, it may be easier to donate and receive now than when everyone is back at work.
Embryos were created and cryo-preserved well before COVID-19.
Embryo donation is a stay-at-home activity. Donors and Intended Parents can complete profiles, participate in matching calls, review, and sign documents in the safety of your own homes.
Shipments can be delayed until all parties feel it’s safe to move the embryos, and in some cases, shipping delays may be mandated. UPDATE 6/9: Shipping has resumed to pre-COVID scheduling, with no anticipated delays
WHAT YOU CAN DO… and why it’s important to donate now, more than ever:
Many are wondering how they can help others during this crisis. More than ever, we are reminded what our family and friends mean to us. We are lucky to have loved ones around us. Fertility patients can feel that their chances for expanding their families are dwindling every week that we remain sequestered. They need to know that there is hope. An embryo donation can be the glimmer of hope that brings happiness in this time.
Additionally, as we are all experiencing financial hardship due to the economic slowdown, their dreams of a family might require a lower cost option. For IVF patients, Embryo Donation is the lowest cost option in the reproductive space and traditional adoption, excluding foster care.
While we are forced to physically separate ourselves from external stimulation, it gives us pause to focus on things that are more important than the daily grind. If you have embryos, please consider taking this time at home to begin the process to give them to a family in need. If you are feeling the growing panic of parenthood lost, please reach out so that we can help you create it.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this journey so smooth. You've always been so quick to reply to all my questions and concerns, thank you for that, I want you to know what a great job you do. Matt and I are so excited for our IVF cycle in May. It's keeping me smiling through this rather dark period of social isolation.” (Laurissa, Recipient 4/7/20)