For many individuals and couples, the journey to parenthood is not a straight line. It can involve years of treatment, difficult decisions, and moments of heartbreak alongside hope. At Reach, we understand how deeply personal this journey is and we’re committed to offering options that honor each patient’s unique path. One option is donor embryos, a powerful and increasingly chosen way to build a family.
What Are Donor Embryos?
Donor embryos are embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) by another family who has completed their own treatment and chooses to donate their remaining embryos. These embryos are then transferred to a recipient, who carries the pregnancy and gives birth.
For many patients, donor embryos offer a meaningful opportunity to experience pregnancy and childbirth when other fertility treatments have not led to success. They can be an especially compassionate option for those facing challenges such as diminished egg quality, genetic concerns, recurrent pregnancy loss, or multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles.
When Other Paths Don’t Lead to Success
Sarah and Dave Ekis are Reach patients who know firsthand how long and difficult a fertility journey can be. After transferring four embryos they are now proud parents of two sweet babies. This is what they have said about their experience:
“REACH gave us our miracle family.”
We found REACH after my doctor at another clinic suggested getting a second opinion. At that point, we had already been through so much—five IUIs, surgery for endometriosis, one egg retrieval, four embryo transfers, and a heartbreaking miscarriage. Despite everything, Dr. Whelan at REACH was confident we could still have success.
As our journey continued, my case became even more complex with additional diagnoses of PCOS and poor egg quality, all while I was entering the advanced maternal age category. But what truly stood out to us was REACH’s unwavering commitment. We never felt like just another case. In fact, the more complicated things became, the more personally invested Dr. Whelan seemed to be. His dedication meant the world to us.
When REACH launched their donor embryo program, we knew it was the right path for us—and we’re so glad we took that leap of faith. We transferred four donor embryos and are now the proud, grateful parents of two beautiful miracle babies.
The donor embryo program gave us the perfect way to grow our family, and we are forever thankful to REACH and Dr. Whelan for their expertise, compassion, and belief in our dream.
Choosing Donor Embryos
For many patients, deciding to pursue donor embryos comes after careful consideration and emotional reflection. It’s normal to have questions, fears, and even grief around letting go of a genetic connection. At Reach, we prioritize education, counseling, and open conversations to help patients feel confident and supported in their decision.
Why Patients Choose Donor Embryos
Every family’s reasons are different, but donor embryos can offer several meaningful benefits, including:
- A chance to experience pregnancy and childbirth
- Shorter timelines compared to traditional IVF cycles
- Lower overall costs than creating new embryos
- A deeply compassionate option that connects families through shared hope
Most importantly, donor embryos can provide renewed optimism after years of loss or unsuccessful treatments.
If you’re exploring donor embryos or wondering what next steps might look like after other treatments haven’t worked, know that you don’t have to navigate those decisions alone. At Reach, we’re here to listen, to guide, and to help you find the path that feels right for you.
Your journey may look different than you once imagined but it can still lead to everything you’ve been hoping for.
