Concerns and objections that arise from cryopreservation of embryos mostly have an ethical basis. It is true that cryopreservation means a temporary suspension in the life of an embryo. During this time the conditions may change in the lives of the parents.

According to the Greek legislation (Ν. 4737/2020 (ΦΕΚ Α’ 204/22-10-2020) cryopreserved embryos can remain in storage for up to 5 years. The duration of cryopreservation can be extended for a maximum period of twenty (20) years with a written request of the couple every five (5) years.

In Greece, law 3089/02 describes the potential fate of cryopreserved embryos in case the parents disagree on their use. IVF Units with a good level of organization should have special cryopreservation consent forms that must be signed by the two partners the fate of regarding supernumerary embryos.