Egg freezing is safe

On June 17 and 19, 2008, McGill University released the results of a study that showed the safety of an advanced egg freezing technique. In one of the most exhaustive studies yet of children born after the freezing procedure, the researchers found that children conceived by egg freezing were as healthy as those conceived by IVF or conceived naturally.  The advanced egg freezing technique in the study and the method used at Egg Freezing Center, is vitrification, a method that rapidly freezes eggs to prevent ice crystals from forming, which can damage the cells.  

I applaud Dr. Chian and colleagues for providing a registry of birth information following egg vitrification. As we continue to refine methods of egg freezing, it is paramount that we monitor birth outcomes to assure safety. It is reassuring to see that Chian and colleagues demonstrated no increase in the rate of birth defects from vitrification, as similar registries in Europe have indicated the same following slow-freeze methods.

We have commenced an organization to create a US national registry of births from egg freezing. We hope to report the results of that registry early next year.

More information about the study and vitrification can be found at the links below.

http://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/news/item/?item_id=100649  

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7458415.stm  

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article4152437.ece  

http://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/news/item/?item_id=100710  

http://www.thestar.com/article/445806  

http://eggfreezingcenter.com/