Completing a surrogacy program often leaves intended parents with an important question: what happens to the embryos that remain frozen once a successful pregnancy has been achieved, or if not all were transferred during the process? These embryos are valuable, both medically and personally, and decisions about their future deserve clear information.
How Embryos Are Stored at SILK Medical
Embryos created through IVF are vitrified, a freezing technique that keeps them viable for many years without deterioration. One year of storage at SILK Medical is included in most surrogacy and IVF programs. After this period, embryos may continue to be stored securely in our laboratory for an annual fee of around $500, similar to the cost of egg storage. Advanced monitoring systems, including the AI EmbryoScope and IVFID Witness system, safeguard the embryos by tracking every step of handling and storage. For more information on embryo cryopreservation and its benefits, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine provides reliable guidance.
Using Embryos for a Sibling Pregnancy
Many families decide to return for a sibling cycle. Since embryos are already created and frozen, the process is shorter and more affordable compared to a full IVF program. At SILK, a frozen embryo transfer can be arranged at a later stage, with the cost typically $2,500 per additional transfer. This option allows families to expand without repeating the entire IVF process.
Donating Embryos to Research
Some parents choose to donate embryos for scientific research. While the decision is highly personal, such donations support the advancement of reproductive medicine and genetic studies. Research donation requires signed consent and is handled under strict medical and ethical guidelines.
Donating Embryos to Another Couple
Donation to another couple is also possible but involves additional legal considerations. The process requires formal agreements, notarized consent, and compliance with Georgian legislation, which recognizes the intended parents as the legal owners of all embryos. This option can provide another couple with the chance to build their family, though it requires careful planning.
Discarding Embryos
The final option is to discontinue storage and allow the embryos to be discarded. This step is carried out only with the explicit written consent of the intended parents. Clinics cannot proceed without official authorization, ensuring that control always remains with the parents.
Legal Aspects and Consent
Georgian law is clear: embryos belong to the intended parents, and no action can be taken without their signed consent. The legislation also ensures that surrogates have no parental rights and cannot make claims over embryos or resulting children. In Armenia, where SILK also operates, the rules are slightly different, but the principle remains the same: embryos are the responsibility of the intended parents, and every decision requires their approval.
Making a Decision with SILK Medical
For patients, knowing that embryos are safe and securely stored provides flexibility for the future. Whether the choice is to keep them for a sibling, donate, or discontinue storage, SILK Medical supports intended parents with transparent information, reliable storage systems, and full legal documentation. Many families return to the clinic years later to use their embryos for additional transfers, taking advantage of the long-term preservation methods in place.
Next Steps for Intended Parents
Extra embryos after surrogacy are not a complication but an opportunity. They represent potential choices for the future, from growing your family to contributing to science. Embryos are kept under the highest standards of safety and legality at SILK Medical, while decisions remain firmly in the hands of the parents. Patients can contact our team at any time to arrange storage extensions, plan a sibling cycle, or discuss the available pathways for their embryos.
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