Studying potential donors' views on embryonic stem cell therapies and preimplantation genetic diagnosis

Abstract

Embryo experimentation raises many ethical questions, but is established as acceptable practice in the UK under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990. The development of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and embryonic stem (ES) cell research is dependent on couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) donating for research embryos that are unused in, or unsuitable for, treatment. Rarely is the role of these donors acknowledged, let alone studied. One concern is whether couples feel an obligation to donate embryos because of their gratitude for the IVF treatment they have received. This article, based on an ongoing study investigating the similarities and differences between the views and values of those IVF couples who agree to donate embryos for research and those who refuse to donate embryos, explores the broader issues around embryonic research. Discussions such as this, embedded in a background of empirical research, will assist practitioners and policymakers in assessing the social and ethical contexts of this very important aspect of current and future scientific developments.

Motivation to donate or not donate surplus embryos for stem-cell research: literature review

“…It has been argued that nondonors may be better informed about the implications of bioscience (52). However, it also can be argued that those who are better informed about the possible applications of stem-cell research (e.g., in regenerative medicine) may be more inclined to donate their surplus embryos for the purposes of such research.…”

Donating Embryos to Stem Cell Research

“…This is an important observation, because the possible impact of gratitude on informed consent in embryo donation has previously been raised by bioethical commentators. It has been suggested that if there is any institutional or procedural link between IVF treatment and hESC research, the potential donors’ gratitude toward the clinicians who have helped them to conceive may steer them toward opting for donation (Haimes and Luce 2006; Parry 2006; McLeod and Baylis 2007; also discussed in Roberts and Throsby 2008). The bioethical concern is that parents who receive the “gift of a baby” will feel a sense of gratitude; feeling grateful might then cause parents to feel that they should respond with a gift in return; and if a request for donation of surplus embryos is made in that context, potential donors might inadvertently be encouraged to see donation as an appropriate form of return gift.…”

Eggs, ethics and exploitation? Investigating women’s experiences of an egg sharing scheme

“…3Writers like Dickenson have been very effective in bringing ‘the lady’ back into consideration; consequently greater attention has now been paid to egg providers than to couples providing embryos for research (Haimes and Luce 2006). …”