Embryo Adoption

Many proponents of embryonic stem cell research claim that the human embryos they would like to destroy for research will be destroyed anyway. They reason that if the human embryos will die anyway, then why shouldn't they be used in experiments.

The problem with this argument is that it assumes that the human embryos have to be destroyed when there are other options for the frozen human embryos. Human embryos created by in-vitro fertilization don't need to be discarded or used for research. These tiny human beings can be adopted by couples hoping to have children. Embryo adoption occurs when couples who previously went through in-vitro fertilization no longer plan on initiating another pregnancy with their embryonic children and decide to release their embryonic children to another couple. These human embryos will then be implanted into the adoptive mother in the hopes of bringing one or more of the embryos to birth.

Back in 1997, an adoption agency called Nightlight Christian Adoptions started a program called the Snowflakes Frozen Embryo Adoption Program to help infertile couples adopt human embryos that had been frozen. Since then, numerous human embryos have been adopted and brought to birth. On May 24, 2005, President Bush appeared with 21 families who have adopted human embryos through the Snowflakes Frozen Embryo Adoption program of Nightlight Christian Adoptions.

Samuel and Big Sister Alyssa

Tom and Tina Harvey of Port Huron, Michigan adopted their son, Samuel, as a frozen embryo left over from other couples' attempts to conceive through in-vitro fertilization. David and Stacy Giesen of Marshall, Michigan adopted their son, Frank, as an embryo as well.

On March 21, 2006, the Harveys and the Giesens testified at a hearing on stem cell research before Michigan's House Health Policy Committee.

Excerpts from testimony by Tina & Tom Harvey who adopted Samuel as an embryo:

"Sometimes it is hard to believe that the embryo that was only 4 cells when shipped here, grew into a 9 pound, 13 oz. newborn! What a miracle! . . . This opportunity has enriched our lives so much . . . Are we so blinded by the 'promise' of 'perfecting' life that we are willing to cheapen it? That is what we do when we sacrifice or destroy one life for the 'greater good,' we cheapen life itself." (Full Testimony)

Excerpts from testimony by David & Stacy Giesen who adopted Frank an embryo:

"Words cannot express what God has done in our lives in the last 14 months. . . Frank is such a sweet, special soul -- sent not only to heal us but to touch his grandparents and aunts and uncles with his bright spirit. I think about if Frank had been given up to scientific research instead of adoption what the world would be missing out on." (Full Testimony)

EMBRYO OR TODDLER . . . Frank is still Frank

Other organizations that facilitate embryo adoption are the National Embryo Donation Center and Embryos Alive.