Across the United States, millions of embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) are stored in what are often referred to as “frozen orphanages”—cold storage units holding over 1.6 million embryos. These embryos, which are typically created when couples pursue IVF, remain frozen indefinitely unless a decision is made regarding their future. A new documentary, Spares: Second Chance Stories of Frozen Embryos, brings attention to this little-known issue, showing how these embryos can be adopted and given a chance at life.
Real-Life Adoption Stories
The documentary highlights four couples who chose to adopt frozen embryos, showcasing the emotional journey behind each decision. One story follows Ali and Derek, whose daughter, now three years old, was frozen as an embryo for ten years before being adopted by the couple. The couple was able to implant the embryo into Ali’s uterus, and nine months later, their daughter was born.
“I had no idea that people had embryos they were putting up for adoption,” Ali shared, reflecting on the surprise of learning about this option.
Thirteen years ago, Ali and Derek’s daughter was conceived along with several others by Tara and Travis, another couple who had undergone IVF. Tara and Travis used three embryos for their own children but were unable to implant the remaining embryos due to health concerns. Faced with this dilemma, they decided to put the leftover embryos up for adoption, hoping to give them a chance at life.
“It was hard to let go,” Travis said. Tara added, “It took us three-and-a-half years to fill out the paperwork, but eventually, we were able to let them go.”
Tara and Travis chose to place their embryos with Ali and Derek, and while the couple initially desired a closed adoption, the process evolved into something unexpected. The two families began connecting more deeply, with shared prayers and FaceTime calls that led to lasting relationships, including family vacations.
Ali and Derek’s story highlights a unique aspect of embryo adoption—while many adoptive parents prefer a closed relationship, some, like them, end up embracing a more open, familial connection with the biological parents.
The “Snowflake Baby” Movement
The term “snowflake baby” refers to an embryo that is adopted, implanted, and brought to life after being frozen. While many embryos remain in cold storage, only a small number—several thousand annually—are adopted each year. Jason Pearson, the producer of Spares, aims to raise awareness and increase embryo adoptions, hoping the documentary will inspire more people to consider this option.
“Infertility is a painful experience for many couples, and adopting embryos can be a meaningful, faith-based solution,” Pearson explained.
Despite the growing awareness of embryo adoption, many couples remain unaware of the large number of embryos that exist in storage. IVF clinics often create more embryos than needed, leading to a surplus that can either be discarded, donated for research, or placed for adoption. However, the process of deciding what to do with excess embryos often raises moral and ethical concerns for many families.
Ethical Considerations and Legal Perspectives
For some, the ethical implications of IVF can be complex, especially for those who believe life begins at conception. Last year, the Alabama Supreme Court recognized embryos as children, underscoring the growing legal and moral debate over the fate of unused embryos.
Gabbie, another mother who adopted and gave birth to a child from frozen embryos, emphasized the gravity of the IVF process. “Doctors must take the creation of embryos seriously,” she said. “Sometimes, they create more embryos than are necessary without considering what happens to the rest.”
In some IVF clinics, embryos are ranked for their viability, with those deemed less likely to result in healthy pregnancies often being discarded or not used. This raises ethical questions, particularly when embryos are judged based on perceived quality, including considerations of special needs.
Paige and Caleb, another couple featured in the documentary, argue that all embryos, including those with potential disabilities, should be given a chance at life. “To think of eradicating a person just because they don’t meet certain standards is deeply troubling,” Paige said.
Growing Interest and Challenges
While the practice of adopting embryos remains relatively rare, awareness is growing. Faith communities, especially those within the Southern Baptist Convention, have voiced concerns about the ethics of IVF, but also recognize that embryo adoption presents an opportunity to care for these potential lives.
“I hope this leads to more embryo adoptions, especially among Christians,” Gabbie said. “Even if IVF is not the right path for everyone, these embryos still exist, and we can make a difference.”
Despite the controversy, some religious leaders believe that IVF can be an acceptable option for couples, as long as it is done responsibly—minimizing the number of embryos created and ensuring that every embryo is used.
As the debate continues, the stories of families who adopt frozen embryos serve as a powerful reminder of the potential for life, even in the coldest of storage units. Through the adoption of these “snowflake babies,” couples not only bring new life into the world but also help to redefine the meaning of family.
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