Help for problems with infertility and embryo disposition

Almost 500,000 embryos are in frozen storage in the United States, according to the stories in today's Los Angeles Times. Some of the embryos are still destined for use to help individuals or couples with infertility problems in their desire to have children. But many others are simply in limbo while their creators grapple with their options for disposition. In today's Health section, I described some of the barriers to disposition of leftover embryos via adoption or research.

Several good resources are available for people who are struggling with these issues.

• Resolve: The National Infertility Assn., Southwest Region, will hold its annual Fall Family Building Symposium on Oct. 18, 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., at California State University, Long Beach, The Point at the Pyramid. The symposium will include a session entitled "Embryo Donation Workshops for Donors and Recipients," from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• A three-part series on choices regarding the disposition of leftover, frozen embryos can be accessed from the archives of the online radio program, "Creating A Family," hosted by infertility expert and author Dawn Davenport. The shows aired on May 21, May 28 and June 4.
• The national headquarters of Resolve will sponsor several events during National Infertility Awareness Week, Oct. 19-25, including a series of Web chats entitled "Take Charge!"

- Shari Roan

Photo: A magnification view of human embryos. Credit: Courtesy of Dr. David Diaz