An option for religious couples with unused frozen embryos

The head of the Christian Medical Association is calling for couples who do not intend to use embryos created through in vitro fertilization to donate them to other couples.

"Many couples who have used reproductive technology in an effort to have children are faced with the issue of embryos who will not be implanted and brought to birth," said Dr. David Stevens, CMA's executive director, in a press release. "Thankfully, such couples now have the option of allowing another couple to receive their embryo(s) and to provide a loving home for any child that may result."

To that end, the CMA helped plan the development of the National Embryo Donation Center at the Baptist Hospital for Women in Knoxville, Tenn. The nonprofit center handles the medical, legal, and social requirements of embryo donation.