[Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue; now is the time for ethical considerations]

The development of ovarian tissue cryopreservation will expand the range of clinical applications in reproductive medicine. This emerging technology may have beneficial opportunities for patients, particularly in oncology, as well as for the process of oocyte donation. However, it will also lead to new moral problems requiring critical reflection concerning the criteria for tissue banking and future clinical applications. Because cryopreservation of ovarian tissue nowadays is the focus of experimental research, technology assessment is currently appropriate, anticipating introduction into clinical practice. Specific guidelines, developed by the medical profession in cooperation with ethicists and lawyers can contribute to prudent clinical use.