Reproductive biomedicine online · 2026
What happens to cryopreserved embryos after couples separate? First UK cohort study on disposition decisions.
СтатьяНазвание и аннотация: Перевод пока не подготовлен
Обработка статьи · этапы, ошибки и управление
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История · было → стало
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Finelli Renata, Moreira Catarina, Porta Carol, Raikundalia Bhavna, Rydman Kaj, Macklon Nick, Linara-Demakakou Elena, Ahuja Kamal K
Аннотация
RESEARCH QUESTION: How do separated couples navigate decisions regarding their stored embryos?
DESIGN: Data were collected from 141 couples who reported a change in relationship status between January 2019 and December 2025. Variables included sexual orientation, gamete origin, previous live births, and final embryo disposition outcomes.
RESULTS: In total, 66.0% (93/141) of cases opted for embryo discard and 21.3% (30/141) of cases retained embryos for future personal use. Donation to an ex‑partner (4.2%, 6/141) or to other couples for treatment (0.7%, 1/141) was rare. Embryos were donated for training purposes in 7.8% (11/141) of cases.
CONCLUSIONS: When couples separate, cryopreserved embryos often become sources of conflict. To date, no UK-based studies have examined embryo disposition specifically following relationship breakdown. This is the first study in this specific cohort of patients, reflecting a strong preference for embryo disposal rather than donation. Disposition decisions often reflected the emotional complexity of separation and, in some cases, raised ethical issues related to donor gametes.
DESIGN: Data were collected from 141 couples who reported a change in relationship status between January 2019 and December 2025. Variables included sexual orientation, gamete origin, previous live births, and final embryo disposition outcomes.
RESULTS: In total, 66.0% (93/141) of cases opted for embryo discard and 21.3% (30/141) of cases retained embryos for future personal use. Donation to an ex‑partner (4.2%, 6/141) or to other couples for treatment (0.7%, 1/141) was rare. Embryos were donated for training purposes in 7.8% (11/141) of cases.
CONCLUSIONS: When couples separate, cryopreserved embryos often become sources of conflict. To date, no UK-based studies have examined embryo disposition specifically following relationship breakdown. This is the first study in this specific cohort of patients, reflecting a strong preference for embryo disposal rather than donation. Disposition decisions often reflected the emotional complexity of separation and, in some cases, raised ethical issues related to donor gametes.