What happens to cryopreserved embryos after couples separate? First UK cohort study on disposition decisions.

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.