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Cryopreserved human embryos in Canada and their availability for research
Françoise Baylis1, Brenda Beagan, Josephine Johnston
1Department of Bioethics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal D'Obstetrique Et Gynecologie Du Canada : JOGC
|December 10, 2003
Summary
Canadian fertility clinics store over 15,000 human embryos, with only 2% donated for research. Inadequate consent processes limit research availability for these embryos.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Embryology
- Bioethics
Background:
- Cryopreservation of human embryos is a key component of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.
- The disposition of embryos no longer required for reproductive purposes raises ethical and logistical questions.
- Understanding the current practices in Canadian fertility clinics is crucial for policy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify cryopreserved human embryos in Canadian IVF clinics.
- To determine the number of embryos donated for research.
- To investigate consent processes for embryo disposition.
Main Methods:
- A national survey was conducted using mailed questionnaires.
- Fertility clinics identified as performing IVF and cryopreservation were targeted.
- Data collection was supplemented by telephone follow-ups.
Main Results:
- Thirteen of 24 surveyed clinics reported 15,615 cryopreserved embryos as of August 2003.
- Nine clinics offer embryo donation for research, with 299 embryos (2%) allocated to research.
- Seven of these nine clinics actively use donated embryos for research to improve IVF practices.
Conclusions:
- Accurate data collection on assisted reproduction and research is challenging without specific legislation.
- The number of cryopreserved human embryos available for research in Canada is limited.
- Incomplete or inadequate consent processes further restrict the eligibility of embryos for research.