Which of the following describes what can be done with unused IVF embryos?

• A. Cryopreserve
• B. Donate to research
• C. Donate to infertile couples
• D. Destroy

Answer: (C)

Unused IVF embryos can be handled in several ways, and one widely discussed route is to donate the embryos to infertile couples. This option treats the embryos as potential future children and honors the donors’ intention to help others build a family. It gives the embryos a chance to be born and raised by recipients who want a child, which many donors value as a meaningful continuation of their family-building effort.

Choosing to donate to infertile couples typically involves rigorous informed consent procedures, medical and genetic screening, and clear legal arrangements about parental rights, future contact, and the fate of the embryos if circumstances change. These safeguards aim to respect all parties—the donors, the recipients, and any resulting child—while navigating ethical and practical questions about identity, privacy, and the future welfare of the resulting child.

Other options like cryopreservation keep the embryos for future use, donation to research advances science, and destruction ends potential life. Each path reflects different ethical considerations and personal priorities, but donating to infertile couples is often highlighted as a way to give embryos a tangible opportunity to become a child within a family.