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Support for embryonic stem cell research among infertility patients
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois , USA. tjain@uic.edu
Fertility and Sterility
|April 29, 2008
Summary
Most infertility patients support embryonic stem cell research using leftover embryos. However, younger, minority, less wealthy, and Protestant patients showed less support, while those using assisted reproductive techniques were more supportive.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Bioethics
- Stem Cell Research
Background:
- Embryonic stem cell research offers potential therapeutic advancements.
- Patient perspectives are crucial for ethical considerations in stem cell research.
- Infertility patients' views on using leftover embryos for research are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess infertility patients' opinions on embryonic stem cell research.
- To identify demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing these opinions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to 1,350 women at a university hospital fertility center.
- The survey collected data on patient opinions regarding embryonic stem cell research and their demographic/socioeconomic backgrounds.
Main Results:
- 73% of respondents with a clear opinion supported using leftover embryos for stem cell research.
- Support was lower among younger, African American, Hispanic, less wealthy, Protestant, and single patients, and those with longer conception attempts.
- Patients who had undergone or were undergoing assisted reproductive techniques showed higher approval rates.
Conclusions:
- A majority of infertility patients favor the use of leftover embryos for stem cell research.
- Demographic and socioeconomic factors significantly correlate with patient opinions on this research.
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