Preservation and Storage of Frozen Biological Material and Their Transport from the War Zone to Safe Zones

Preservation and storage of biological materials are the most fundamental responsibilities of IVF clinics. In order to fulfill this responsibility adequately, many clinics invest heavily to ensure the protection and regular monitoring of these materials with special systems. However, it is known that in the event of war, earthquakes, fires, and other extreme events, it is essential that every clinic should have an action plan for the preservation or transportation of these materials to safe areas and that every clinic should be prepared for this. While the war in Ukraine has brought darkness to the lives, futures and dreams of many people, it also caused serious damage in the field of health and many other areas. Since the beginning of the war, many IVF clinics have been unable to continue their normal workflow, and staff has been unable to reach their clinics while patients have suffered, and biological materials have been at risk. It is stated that the necessity of immediate transportation of these materials to safe areas, how the treatment of the patients under treatment is completed, and how the safety of the biological materials is ensured during the transportation of these materials. This chapter discusses the legal basis under which biological materials are transported, the locations where they are securely protected, and how information is transferred to patients. It also provides information on the pathway and approach to oocyte donation, surrogacy, and other treatments for patients in the country. In addition to the physical and emotional damage caused by the war, the chapter explains how and by what means the risk of irreversible biological damage is prevented. The extraordinary efforts of Ukrainian IVF workers to safeguard these materials and their role in tracking and transporting samples to safe locations are noted. Furthermore, recommendations are made for how IVF clinics worldwide can be prepared for extraordinary situations and what measures to follow.