An Irish Patient’s Journey to Motherhood Through Embryo Donation in Spain
“Made with lots of love and just a little bit of science.”
Sometimes, a few words are enough to tell an entire story.
For one of our patients from Dublin, that phrase perfectly describes the little boy she had dreamed of holding in her arms for almost eighteen years.
Her journey to motherhood was filled with heartbreak, resilience, hope and courage. Today, she has generously allowed us to share part of her story in the hope that it may inspire other women who are still waiting for their own miracle.
A Dream That Never Disappeared
Eighteen years before becoming a mother, she experienced one of the greatest losses anyone can face.
She lost her baby daughter at full term.
A heartbreak that no parent should ever have to endure.
In the years that followed, she also faced several miscarriages and the daily challenges of living with endometriosis. Gradually, she began to believe that motherhood might never happen for her.
Yet, despite everything, one thing never changed.
She never stopped hoping.
Searching for the Right Fertility Clinic in Spain
After researching fertility clinics in Spain and exploring her options, she discovered URE Centro Gutenberg in Málaga.
Travelling abroad for fertility treatment can feel overwhelming at first, but during her very first consultation with Dr. Sánchez she immediately felt reassured.
“From the very first consultation, Dr Sánchez made me feel confident in the care and expertise he showed.”
That confidence made all the difference.
She returned to Ireland with her medication, a personalised treatment plan and clear instructions for every step of the process.
Fertility Treatment from Ireland Made Simple
One of the biggest concerns for international patients considering embryo donation in Spain is how the treatment can be organised from abroad.
Do I need to stay in Spain for several weeks?
Can my scans and blood tests be carried out in my home country?
Who will support me throughout the process?
Fortunately, the answer is much simpler than many patients expect.
Before travelling to Málaga, she was guided every step of the way by our International Patient Team, who coordinated her treatment and ensured she had everything she needed before starting her embryo donation journey in Spain.
Most of her monitoring appointments, blood tests and ultrasound scans were carried out in Ireland while our team remained in close contact with her throughout the entire process.
´´The International Coordinators, Isabel and Nuria, were always available by phone or email to answer questions, provide reassurance and coordinate every stage of her treatment.¨
She only needed to travel to Málaga for her embryo transfer, making embryo donation treatment in Spain much easier and more convenient than she had imagined.
For many international patients, this personalised approach allows them to receive world-class fertility care while spending very little time away from home.
The First Attempt Didn’t Work
Like many fertility journeys, hers wasn’t successful the first time.
In February 2024, she underwent her first embryo donation treatment.
Sadly, the pregnancy test was negative.
Understandably, she was devastated.
But after taking some time, she made the brave decision to try again.
A Second Chance
In October 2024, she returned to Málaga.
The treatment was exactly the same.
The hope was exactly the same.
But this time…
Everything changed.
On pregnancy test day, she finally saw the positive result she had waited almost eighteen years to see.
“Thankfully on test day I could see a clear positive.”
Sometimes, one moment can change an entire life.
Pregnancy Back Home in Ireland
After returning home, she continued her medication until the sixteenth week of pregnancy while receiving maternity care in Ireland.
At the same time, Dr. Sánchez and our team remained in regular contact, checking on her progress, answering questions and offering reassurance whenever she needed it.
¨Thankfully on test day I could see a clear Positive. I continued with oral medication until week 16 and was also under the care of my fantastic maternity services in Ireland. All the while Dr Sanchez & his fantastic team were on hand, checking in regularly with me and providing excellent advice & reassurance.¨
Distance never meant she was alone.
Our international patients continue to receive support throughout their pregnancy, wherever they live.
Finally Meeting Jack
In June 2025, at 37 weeks of pregnancy, her beautiful little boy arrived.
Healthy.
Strong.
And deeply loved from the very first moment.
After almost eighteen years of waiting, her dream had finally come true.
A Visit That Meant the World to Us
A few months later, she travelled back to Málaga to introduce Jack to the team who had accompanied her throughout her journey.
Seeing families return to visit us is always emotional.
Watching babies grow, hearing their laughter and sharing those moments with their parents reminds us why we dedicate our lives to reproductive medicine.
But this visit came with another surprise.
She proudly showed us an Irish parenting magazine featuring Jack after he had been recognised as one of Ireland’s Top Babies.
Seeing him smiling from those pages was incredibly special.
Not because of the recognition itself.
But because it represented everything she had fought so hard to achieve.
Her Words Mean Everything to Us.
When she shared her experience, these were the words she chose:
“Without the help and care of this clinic I would never have seen my dream come true. I will be eternally grateful to Dr Sánchez, his team and the extremely selfless generosity of the donor couple, without whom none of this would have been possible. Dreams really do come true.”
There is no greater compliment than knowing a family trusted us with one of the most important journeys of their lives.
Thinking About Fertility Treatment in Spain?
Every fertility journey is unique.
Whether you are considering embryo donationor another fertility treatment, travelling from Ireland or another country, or simply exploring your options, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
From your first free online consultation to pregnancy follow-up, we work closely with your local healthcare providers to make treatment as simple, safe and personalised as possible.
Because sometimes the longest journeys lead to the most beautiful destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have fertility treatment in Spain if I live in Ireland?
Yes. Most scans and blood tests can usually be carried out in Ireland while you travel to Spain only for key stages of treatment, such as embryo transfer.
How many times do I need to travel to Spain?
In many cases, patients only need to visit Málaga for a short stay during the embryo transfer, although every treatment plan is personalised.
Can I have embryo donation treatment as a single woman?
Yes. Spanish legislation allows single women to access fertility treatments, including embryo donation.
Will I receive support after I return home?
Absolutely. Our team remains in close contact with international patients throughout treatment and pregnancy, working alongside their local medical team whenever necessary.