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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 13, 2025

Cryopreservation of Preimplantation Embryos of Cattle, Sheep, and Goats

Cryopreservation of Preimplantation Embryos of Cattle, Sheep, and Goats

Published on: August 5, 2011

Consenting and ethical considerations in embryo cryopreservation.

Arian Khorshid¹, Ruben Alvero²

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.

Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology

|August 3, 2020

Summary

An outdated consent process contributes to the growing problem of surplus embryos. A novel, longitudinal informed consent approach is proposed to improve embryo disposition decisions.

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Last Updated: Dec 13, 2025

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Published on: August 5, 2011

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Modified MicroSecure Vitrification: A Safe, Simple and Highly Effective Cryopreservation Procedure for Human Blastocysts

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Published on: March 2, 2017

Area of Science:

Reproductive Medicine
Bioethics
Infertility Treatment

Background:

A significant burden of surplus embryos exists in storage without clear disposition plans.
Outdated informed consent processes are a key, remediable factor contributing to this issue.
Decisional conflicts regarding embryo disposition arise from moral status and evolving personal values.

Purpose of the Study:

To address the growing burden of surplus embryos.
To propose a novel approach to consenting for the disposition of surplus embryos.
To improve decision-making regarding embryo disposition.

Main Methods:

Redesigning the informed consent protocol as a longitudinal, narrative process.
Integrating counselors into all discussions regarding embryo disposition.
Centralizing the process for donating embryos to research and patients.

Main Results:

The current consent process complicates decision-making and strains the physician-patient relationship.
Barriers to embryo donation for research or transplantation discourage disposition.
A redesigned, longitudinal consent process can facilitate patient decision-making.

Conclusions:

A novel, longitudinal, and counselor-integrated informed consent process is essential.
Centralizing donation processes can reduce barriers to embryo disposition.
Addressing consent issues can alleviate the burden of surplus embryos.