In the United States, between 1 million and 10 million embryos are currently in storage, a result of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. These embryos are kept in a state of suspended animation, with their fate determined by a complex interplay of personal choice, laws, and ethical considerations. In the UK, individuals like Lisa Holligan can store embryos for up to 55 years, with options to destroy or donate them. However, in Italy, embryos must remain frozen indefinitely unless laws change. The US has a patchwork of state regulations, where some states grant embryos legal status akin to children, while others have no specific legislation. This variability complicates decisions for those who have completed their family plans but still have embryos in storage. Many struggle with the emotional weight of these choices, with some opting for compassionate transfers or donating to research, while others face the dilemma of whether to discard or keep paying for storage.
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