Egg and Embryo Donation

Expanding the Ways to Build a Family

Many families begin their path to parenthood with the generosity of an egg or embryo donor.

These gifts make family-building possible—and Nevada law provides strong, modern protections for intended parents, donors, and carriers.

At The Cooley Law Firm, we create clear, compassionate agreements that meet every legal requirement under NRS Chapter 126. Our goal is simple: certainty, respect, and lasting legal security for everyone involved.

Understanding Egg and Embryo Donation

Egg Donation

Egg donation allows intended parents to conceive using donated eggs fertilized through in vitro fertilization (IVF).

  • Embryos may be transferred to an intended parent, or

  • To a gestational carrier, if surrogacy is part of the journey

Embryo Donation

Embryo donation occurs when embryos created through IVF are donated by one individual or couple for use by another.

This option allows:

  • Donated embryos to create life, and

  • Intended parents to experience pregnancy and childbirth

Both processes require written legal agreements. These agreements define rights, responsibilities, and intent—and prevent future disputes.

Legal Protections and Parentage in Nevada

Nevada law clearly protects families formed through donation.

Key Legal Protections Include:

  • Donors are not legal parents when a valid written agreement is in place.

  • Intended parents are recognized as legal parents through a court order

  • Parentage can be confirmed through:

    • Pre-birth or post-birth parentage orders, and/or

    • Confirmatory adoption under AB 227 (2025), when added protection is desired.

  • All arrangements must comply with Nevada law, FDA regulations, and clinic requirements for screening, confidentiality, and compensation.

Our Egg and Embryo Donation Services

Attorney Shelly Booth Cooley provides full legal support for every aspect of egg and embryo donation, including:

Attorney Shelly Booth Cooley provides comprehensive legal support for every participant.

For Intended Parents

  • Drafting and negotiating egg and embryo donation agreements

  • Securing parentage orders or confirmatory adoptions

  • Coordinating with fertility clinics and agencies

  • Advising on reimbursement, anonymity, and confidentiality

For Donors

  • Independent review of donation agreements

  • Clear explanation of non-parental status

  • Protection of medical privacy and compensation limits

For Gestational Carriers

When donated eggs or embryos are used in surrogacy, we also:

  • Draft and review the gestational carrier agreement

  • Coordinate all agreements to ensure consistency and protection