Laboratory-Assisted Reproduction

Objectives:

• Describe those techniques utilized in the laboratory, including in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, cryopreservation of embryos, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
• Discuss the ethical issues associated with these techniques, including the creation of high order multiple pregnancies, and its risks.

Study Questions:

1. When is a new procedure (technique) no longer considered "experimental" (requiring IRB approval and supervision) and becomes standard practice in medicine?
2. What are the known risks of freezing unfertilized eggs?
3. What is your view of egg banking? In what way is it comparable to semen banking? What way different?
4. Would you consider freezing your own or your partner's unfertilized eggs, for future use? What are the pros and cons?
5. These eggs need to be fertilized by intra-cytoplasmic injection (ICSI). Does that influence your decision?

Course Material

• “Technological & Ethical Issues in Laboratory-Assisted Reproduction” - Notes to accompany the lecture
• Embryo Transfer and Multiple Gestation
• Elective Single-Embryo Transfer versus Double-Embryo Transfer in in Vitro Fertilization
• A Single Center Experience with 1000 Consecutive Cases of Multifetal Pregnancy reduction
• The Importance of a Basic Presumption of Respect for the Natural (© Margaret Somerville)
• Ethical Issues in Reproductive Medicine: a Forum for Conflict on Societal Values (© Margaret Somerville)
• Egg Freezing & Procrative Liberty
• ASRM Practice Committee Response: Elective Self-Donation of Oocytes

Faculty: Richard Bronson