What happens to cryopreserved embryos after couples separate? First UK cohort study on disposition decisions

How do separated couples navigate decisions regarding their stored embryos?

Data were collected from 141 couples who reported a change in relationship status between January 2019 and December 2025. Variables included sexual orientation, gamete origin, previous live births, and final embryo disposition outcomes.

In total, 66.0% (93/141) of cases opted for embryo discard and 21.3% (30/141) of cases retained embryos for future personal use. Donation to an ex‑partner (4.2%, 6/141) or to other couples for treatment (0.7%, 1/141) was rare. Embryos were donated for training purposes in 7.8% (11/141) of cases.

When couples separate, cryopreserved embryos often become sources of conflict. To date, no UK-based studies have examined embryo disposition specifically following relationship breakdown. This is the first study in this specific cohort of patients, reflecting a strong preference for embryo disposal rather than donation. Disposition decisions often reflected the emotional complexity of separation and, in some cases, raised ethical issues related to donor gametes.