There are an estimated 120,000 embryos on ice across Australia right this second.

Some of these embryos will be implanted, but many may not be.

In the IVF world, couples with unused embryos are usually given three options. Most often, they are either destroyed or donated to science, but a third option of embryo donation does exist. And it could be the right fit for you.

Embryo donation provides another alternative to have a family – the chance to be parents. Image via istock.

Embryo donation is the giving of unused embryos, which remain after one couple’s IVF process to another couple – without payment.

For David and Marieke McPhail, their experience with infertility lead them to identify an untapped market – a matching service for donors and recipients.

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On Network Ten’s, The Project, Marieke said, “You’re never prepared for all your dreams of having a family to be shattered. For us, I think it meant that we just grieved for all the children that we would never have.”

With this in mind, Marieke co-founded the Embryo Donation Network, an online forum which connects embryo donors with hopeful recipients.

But, there’s a catch.

David and Marieke McPhail are behind the Australian embryo connection service, Embryo Donation Network.

Marieke said, “Some of our clients describe our embryo connect service as a little bit like online dating”.

Couples and individuals can access the ‘classifieds’ for free or tap into the Embryo Connect service for a once-off administration fee of $50. From there, donors and recipients are required fill out a detailed profile of themselves, including anything from hair colour to financial state, to social values and education.

Want more? Try:  She has 6 embryos to give away but only to potential parents who will meet her conditions.

Often donors and recipients will also indicate if they want an ‘open adoption’ with contact between families or a closed one.

Here’s an example we found from a donor:

And another from a hopeful recipient:

As you can see, the network operates in much the same way as an online dating forum – both donors and recipients have the opportunity to pick and choose what is right for them.

David and Marieke’s embryo donor, Jennifer Hunt, has recently been in touch with Mamamia through social media. And these are the beautiful words she has shared with us:

If you want to learn more about Embryo donation, you can visit the Embryo Donation Network .

Would you donate your embryos to another couple?