Prospective parents have a variety of options to start their family, even when they are unable to conceive children naturally. Many turn to in vitro fertilization, which involves combining eggs and sperm in a laboratory setting. This process is frequently successful and many people going through it find that they have embryos remaining after they have completed their family.
One of the options in this scenario is to donate the embryo to another prospective parent. This is possible under Illinois law, but having a binding contract is necessary to protect your rights. Luckily, this is something that an experienced reproductive law attorney can assist with. If you have embryos to donate or if hope to receive an embryo from a donor, reach out to an Illinois embryo donation lawyer at the TR Law Offices today. I can help donors or expected parents in multiple states with crafting their transfer contract.
When in vitro fertilization is successful and results in a viable pregnancy, there is often a decision to be made about any remaining embryos. While some choose to store them indefinitely or use them again in the future, others might opt for another path.
While some donate embryos to science, a growing trend involves donating them to other hopeful parents in an effort to share the possibility of parenthood. The reasons why a person might agree to donate their embryos can vary. Some might be interested in doing something positive that will help another family in need, while others might face religious beliefs that prevent them from having the embryos destroyed.
Each situation is different, but it is helpful to understand why and how this option is possible. An embryo donation attorney in Illinois can advise you in these situations, while also drafting an agreement that meets the needs of all the involved parties.
When an attorney in Illinois drafts an embryo donation contract on your behalf, it should address an array of important legal issues. Without this contract in place, you could find yourself dealing with contentious disputes or potentially miss out on parental rights entirely. Some of the issues these contracts should address include the following.
These contracts should highlight all of the rights and obligations that come with donating an embryo. This starts with identifying all of the relevant parties, including the intended parents and the donor. The terms should spell out that the intended parents will take ownership of the embryo, while the donor waives all of their rights to it.
Each contract should identify the specifics of the donation itself. That starts with establishing how many embryos are being transferred and where they are currently stored. These details vary from one situation to another, but it is important to spell out the exact plan for transferring the embryos.
It is also helpful to include terms involving how to resolve disputes, should they arise. If there is a disagreement over the embryo or how it is used, the contract might require the parties to resolve it through mediation or arbitration instead of going to court. Alternatively, there might be a clause that determines the court where the dispute must be filed.
The donation of an embryo is a private matter for most people. This can lead both parties to prefer having a confidentiality clause in place, preventing them from publicly discussing the transfer.
The decision to donate an embryo is an important one, and it is crucial that you seek out legal help that will protect your rights, either as the donor or the intended parents. The terms of your contract will impact everything from your confidentiality to your parental rights, so the sooner you talk to TR Law Offices, the better your position will be. Reach out to our Illinois embryo donation lawyer today to get started.
