The plight of orphaned or abandoned embryos

Excess embryo generation in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles is a common practice due to the inherent uncertainties at various stages of the procedure. The remaining embryos, after the transfer of one or two, are cryopreserved. However, ethical, legal, financial, religious and emotional issues arise when these stored embryos are left unclaimed for various reasons. ART clinics then face significant challenges, despite the availability of embryo disposition methods. Judicious minimal ovarian stimulation and detailed counselling with explicit written consent, prior to the initiation of cycles, becomes crucial to prevent this crisis.