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Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Human Blastocyst Biopsy and Vitrification
Published on: July 26, 2019
Case Report: grandmother, mother and another -- an intergenerational surrogacy using anonymous donated embryos
B J Woodward1, W J Norton, R W Neuberg
1Middle England Fertility Centre, BUPA Hospital Leicester, Gartree Road, Oadby, Leicestershire LE2 2FF, UK. woodwabr@bupa.com
Abstract:
Surrogacy and embryo donation remain beneficial but controversial infertility therapies. This is the first report of a pregnancy and subsequent birth of healthy twins following a surrogacy involving a female patient's biological mother as surrogate, but using anonymously donated embryos. Due to the novelty of combining intergenerational surrogacy with embryo donation, the legal side of adoption has taken over 3 years to complete. Intergenerational surrogacy using donated embryos can successfully provide a family with a third generation, offering an alternative to adoption of genetically unrelated children without involvement in the pregnancy. The legal and ethical aspects of the treatment and eventual adoption are discussed.
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