Cryopreservation is a method of freezing biological parts in liquid nitrogen, such as embryos, eggs, or sperm. After a certain period of time, these materials can be used to conceive a child. Usually, this service is used by couples who plan to give birth, but later in life. Germ cells are prone to age-related changes, and cryopreservation allows materials to be stored almost without losing their biological properties. In addition, this method is suitable for people who want to have children after chemotherapy without any possible negative influences.

However, this service is also popular within the military. Cryopreservation makes it possible to have children after receiving a traumatic injury and even in case of a person's death.

The Charity Fund's "Direct Inclusion" focuses on choosing the right hospital for the procedure and the nuances that may follow it.

Legislative control

In March, the President of Ukraine signed a law on biological paternity (maternity) for military personnel in the event of their death. This means that the reproductive cells of male and female defenders would be stored in special cryobanks for three years without any charges. After that, individuals can continue freezing at their own expense.

If biological material is used to conceive a child, its owner will be considered the biological parent of the newborn. Before freezing their reproductive cells, the man or woman must sign a power of attorney that specifies how to dispose of their material in case of death.

Aspects of the procedure

The cells must be stored in special thermoses with liquid nitrogen. The container's properties do not depend on the power supply, so there is no need to worry about the material's condition even during blackouts.

Men can freeze their biological material in almost any reproductive institution in the country, having previously passed tests and taken a spermogram. The price starts from 5 thousand hryvnias.

At the same time, collecting women`s eggs requires the participation of a reproductive doctor. First, women will undergo an ultrasound procedure and hormone analysis. After that, they must be examined. The only contraindication is the presence of hormone-dependent cancer. Analyzes must be taken on certain days of the menstrual cycle. Then, women have to undergo hormonal stimulation and, finally, egg retrieval. This may take several months. The average price of the service in Ukraine is about 2 thousand dollars. However, some clinics offer it for military personnel free of charge.

How to choose a clinic?

First, the Charity Fund's "Direct Inclusion" advises studying the medical institution's website carefully. You can find lab photos, patient reviews, and information about staff qualifications there. You can also rely on your own feelings. For example, if you do not like communicating with the specialists of a certain clinic, then it is better to consider other options.