How a couple’s embryo donation became the ‘gift of life’ | Australian Story
307,345
Published 2019-09-30
Emma and Richard Austin endured 10 years of gruelling fertility treatments in their unsuccessful quest for a baby.
Two months after making the difficult decision to stop IVF, the offer of a lifetime arrived when a mutual friend introduced them to a Brisbane couple.
Jessica and JP DiZane’s family was complete and they had leftover embryos that they didn’t want to destroy.
After a series of heartfelt and challenging discussions between the couples, an altruistic donation led to Emma and Richard becoming the parents of baby Henry.
One year later, the couples come together to discuss how a surprise gift helped to solve everyone’s problems.
Read more: www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-30/donate-or-discard-w…
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All Comments (21)
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I am 12 weeks pregnant with a donated embryo. I’m so thankful for the donors.
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My daughter and her husband had an abundance of embryos when they went through 2 successful invitro pregnancies. They donated their unused embryos to two different couples they never met. Our family was notified when two sets of twins were born: one set in Colorado and one set in Florida. We have never seen these children who are 13 years old now. I would love to meet them some day. I hope they are loved.
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This is pretty much the same as giving up a child for adoption with the added joy of pregnancy and delivery. I see it as a wonderful gift!
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That was absolutely stunning. “This baby would have never had life without Richard and Emma” - Jessica and JP, your gift is beyond a miracle. I wept with joy. Wow.
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I gave a son up for adoption and I know in my heart I made the best choice for his life. I’ve never been ashamed of or kept him a secret.
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My husband and I were blessed to receive a frozen embryo and that little embryo is now our sweet daughter. I wish I could meet the wonderful people who were gracious and selfless enough to give complete strangers the ultimate gift. I am so thankful for them and this little miracle we are raising. She is everything to us.
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We're doing IVF right now as well and we're having our first transfer next month. We weren't quite sure what to do with the remaining embryos after we have the two children we want, but now we know. If we can help someone else have their happy little family, it's worth it.
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Why can’t all people this normal and kind?
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The friend that introduced the two families rocks too. Whole story is wow!!! Happy beginnings!
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" I know that you can love a child that isn’t yours" wow what a beautiful soul 💚
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So many embryos get thrown into the garbage every year literally thousands upon thousands but people can’t gift them to other couples because they are there “children” yet they can throw them in the garbage. What a lovely lovely couple to do this for yet another lovely couple
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My Mimaw always said "If you feed something long enough, it starts to look like you."
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This was a heart warming story. Both couples thought everything through. They were emotionally stable. I think it was truly an amazing gift for all involved. Beautiful babies!
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One of the most touching stories I've ever seen! This embryo was just waiting for a womb, and the lucky little guy got a beautiful mom and dad to welcome him into this world. These two lovely couples did each other the greatest favor imaginable! One provided the baby material; the other provided the baking essentials, along with a home, two loving parents, and the reality for this gorgeous child to live an amazing and happy life. Truly, it takes my breath away! And frankly, I think Richard and Emma should have another child asap!
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I love how they said “do you like your cousin?” At this age that is the perfect way to frame it. Just like we call people Aunt —— and Uncle ——- to denote a close relationship even if they are not an actual Aunt or Uncle. As the kids get older and can understand more, the nature of their relationship can be revealed as appropriate.
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There is nothing more nobel than making a family possible for wonderful couples who have fertility issues! Both couples worked through all of the complex issues and the result is just beautiful! The best of humanity! God bless both families with good health and peace!💕🇨🇦
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This is one lucky baby being born to soooooo many loving family members. Such a beautiful story
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I’m an adoptive mom twice and just adopting was the most amazing moments of my life. But this is I can’t even describe. Bless you all!!
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When I was in my early 20’s I donated my eggs for couples who where struggling to conserve. That is going back about 19/20 years ago. The treatment did mess with my periods up! But it was worth it. I think if you have the opportunity to donate your eggs or even sperm, then go for it. You are giving a gift that is priceless
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This documentary made me smile, the bond between both families is so sweet and I get the impression that the children in both families will grow up to be happy and loved :)
