My husband and I did our research and decided that IVF in Europe was the most affordable and ultimately the best decision for us overall.
There were several factors that lead up to our decision to seek embryo donation in Europe instead of the United States.
1. Anonymous embryo donors
Egg and sperm donation is anonymous by law in Spain and the Czech Republic. 2. Healthy young donors
Donors have to be between the ages of 18 and 35 years old.
3. Donors go through a rigorous selection process
Both sperm and egg donors are screened for sexually transmitted diseases (hepatitis B,C, HIV, syphilis, chlamydia). Additionally, egg donors also go through genetic evaluations for Karyotyping, and CFTR (cystic fibrosis) mutations.
4) No Waiting Period
Typically, most of the clinics in the Czech Republic and Spain have shorter or no waiting periods than clinics in the US. This made arranging our procedure around my vacation time much easier.
5. Western Europe Medical Care comparable to United StatesTypically, most of the clinics in the Czech Republic and Spain have shorter or no waiting periods than clinics in the US. This made arranging our procedure around my vacation time much easier.
The quality of medical care in Western Europe is comparable to medical care in the United States. The facilities were clean and modern and the technology was state of the art. Additionally, a lot of their doctors are trained in the US then go back home to practice medicine.
6. IVF is cheaper in Europe than in the US
Even after factoring in a.) the cost of travel and b.) the fact that we had to make the trip twice because our first visit was not successful, we saved money by going to a fertility clinic in Europe. We were also able to save money on our second visit through a “Shared Risk” program with our clinic.
7. A "Shared Risk" program
Many fertility clinics throughout Europe and the United States have "Shared Risk" programs. If a pregnancy is not achieved after the program, an agreed upon amount is refunded. Even after factoring in a.) the cost of travel and b.) the fact that we had to make the trip twice because our first visit was not successful, we saved money by going to a fertility clinic in Europe. We were also able to save money on our second visit through a “Shared Risk” program with our clinic.
7. A "Shared Risk" program
8. English is the international language of business
And finally, do not be afraid of any language barriers. English has become the international language of business. You will find that most clinics throughout Europe will have several English speaking representatives to assist you.
And finally, do not be afraid of any language barriers. English has become the international language of business. You will find that most clinics throughout Europe will have several English speaking representatives to assist you.
