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Laboratory-Assisted Reproduction
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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:
- When is a new procedure (technique) no longer considered "experimental" (requiring IRB approval and supervision) and becomes standard practice in medicine?
- What are the known risks of freezing unfertilized eggs?
- What is your view of egg banking? In what way is it comparable to semen banking? What way different?
- Would you consider freezing your own or your partner's unfertilized eggs, for future use? What are the pros and cons?
- 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