Matched on NRFA – Laura & James

Laura & James matched with an embryo donor after being on NRFA.org for only ONE WEEK! “It really isn’t as daunting as it seems! …With the Internet you have so many questions and answers at your fingertips. It was as easy as getting a contract notarized and having them shipped.”

What led you to embryo adoption?

My husband and I are unable to have biological children and always knew we would adopt. I heard about embryo adoption and felt pulled toward it. We did a lot of research on agencies but eventually decided to pursue a private match. Just like domestic adoption, there are many ways to find a genetic family. We matched using a similar website in 2012 and has 2 failed FET’s. After the failed cycles, we adopted our daughter last year domestically. Then, I heard about NRFA and just thought I would take a look.

How long had your family been looking for embryos or seeking an adoption prior to registering on NRFA.org?

I looked on the other website here and there, but didn’t seriously start looking until a few weeks before I signed up for NRFA.

How long was it before you were contacted by a donor on NRFA.org?

Only 1 week!

What special connections or commonalities have you noticed between your family and your donor’s family?

We have a lot of hobbies that are the same, and seem to be on the same page as far as treating this as an adoption rather than a donation. These are babies we are adopting. We also have similar parenting styles.

Describe how the process of matching, legal contract, and medically planning has gone. (Easier than you expected, less/more work than expected, easy/stressful, etc.)

It really isn’t as daunting as it seems! This is our second time around, so we know what to expect. With the Internet you have so many questions and answers at your fingertips. It was as easy as getting a contract notarized and having them shipped.

When do you plan to do (or when did you do) a transfer?

We are hoping for a December transfer.

What has been the biggest surprise to you throughout this process?

How many people are going through the same thing. Adoption is such an emotional journey, and when people know you have adopted, you hear so many stories of how adoption has affected their life as well. People are usually shocked when they find out you can be pregnant with your adopted child.