AI Article Synopsis

  • Many human embryos in cryogenic storage face a bleak future, with many likely to be discarded after experimentation or left indefinitely by parents with no plans for them.
  • The moral dilemma arises from the belief in the basic equality of all human beings at any development stage, prompting the question of what to do with these suspended embryos.
  • This paper argues for an ethically acceptable approach that allows for some embryos to be thawed and disposed of in a respectful manner, similar to how life-sustaining treatment is removed in end-of-life situations.

Article Abstract

Many of the thousands of human embryos currently in cryogenic storage will sooner or later be discarded, often after being experimented upon. Others will remain in storage indefinitely, left there by parents who have no plans either to bring them to term or to offer them for adoption. These facts, coupled with a commitment to the basic moral equality of all human beings at all stages of development, generate a pressing question: What should be done for these embryos whose vital activities have been suspended and whose futures look so bleak? This paper offers a case that allows some of these cryogenically stored embryos to thaw and die, allows disposal of their remains in a manner that reflects their status, and is morally acceptable in that it is consistent with the principles that many accept as governing the removal of life-sustaining treatment in end-of-life cases.

Download full-text PDF

Source

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

cryopreserved embryos
4
embryos dignitas
4
dignitas personae
4
personae option?
4
option? thousands
4
thousands human
4
human embryos
4
embryos currently
4
currently cryogenic
4
cryogenic storage
4

Similar Publications

Vitrification is a conventional and mature method for embryo cryopreservation, but ice crystals formed during the vitrification process can damage embryos. HPC has the property of forming a high-viscosity gel under low-temperature conditions, so it can be added to vitrification solutions to investigate whether it improves the negative impact of vitrification on embryos. The results showed that the addition of HPC (50 μg/ml) to the vitrification solution significantly increased the post-warming survival rate of sheep morula embryos.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: This study is to evaluate duration of oocyte cryostorage and association with thaw survival, fertilization, blastulation, ploidy rates, and pregnancy outcomes in patients seeking fertility preservation.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study to evaluate clinical outcomes in patients who underwent fertility preservation from 2011 to 2023 via oocyte vitrification for non-oncologic indications. Primary outcome was thaw survival rate.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The cancer incidence rates among adolescents and young adults (AYA) have risen by 30% since 1970, highlighting the need for discussing fertility preservation (FP) before gonadotoxic treatments.
  • National guidelines recommend various FP options like oocyte, embryo, and ovarian tissue cryopreservation, with significant progress in the practice of these options since 2013.
  • Despite advancements and recommendations, the use of FP services is inconsistent, and factors affecting decision-making—like financial constraints—remain important concerns for patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates the relationship between the post-thaw morphology of cryopreserved equine IVP blastocysts and the likelihood of achieving pregnancy after transfer.
  • The findings show that while the biopsy procedure before freezing does not negatively impact pregnancy outcomes, blastocysts with over 10% herniated cells post-thaw are less likely to result in pregnancy.
  • Factors such as the interval between ICSI and blastocyst confirmation, and the specific stallion and mare involved, significantly influence pregnancy rates, with later developing embryos showing lower success rates.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Haplotyping-based preimplantation genetic testing for inherited cardiovascular disease: a multidisciplinary approach.

Mol Genet Genomics

December 2024

Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.

Given the high morbidity, mortality, and hereditary risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), their prevention and control have garnered widespread attention and remain central to clinical research. This study aims to assess the feasibility and necessity of haplotyping-based preimplantation genetic testing for the prevention of inherited CVD. A total of 15 preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic defect (PGT-M) cycles were performed in 12 CVD families from January 2016 to July 2022.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!