Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://hdl.handle.net/2440/44210
Citations | ||
Scopus | Web of Science® | Altmetric |
---|---|---|
?
|
?
|
Type: | Journal article |
Title: | Decisions for the fate of frozen embryos: Fresh insights into patients' thinking and their rationales for donating or discarding embryos |
Author: | de Lacey, Sheryl Lynne |
Citation: | Human Reproduction, 2007; 22 (6):1751-1758 |
Publisher: | Oxford University Press |
Issue Date: | 2007 |
ISSN: | 0268-1161 |
School/Discipline: | School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health : Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
Statement of Responsibility: | Sheryl de Lacey |
Abstract: | BACKGROUND: In the final decision for the disposition of unused IVF embryos patients must choose between options involving either donation or destruction, and this decision must be made in a context where there is tension about the status of embryos (i.e. whether viewed as potential children or as a base for further development) and whether embryo donation is adoption or tissue donation. This study explored the emotive experience of making a decision for either the destruction or donation of unused embryos. METHODS: Thirty-three patients (9 women and 12 couples) who discarded embryos and 15 (7 women and 4 couples) who donated embryos were interviewed. Interview data were analysed with particular attention to elements of moral deliberation and use of analogy. RESULTS: Adoption and tissue donation metaphors were both identified, and further, a metaphor of pregnancy termination was identified and found to be highly influential in the decision to donate embryos. Contrary to the majority of current evidence, this study found that participants who discarded embryos emphasized the adoption metaphor while embryo donors emphasized the metaphor of pregnancy termination. For each group the decision was driven by awareness of the option they did not want. CONCLUSIONS: The pregnancy termination metaphor emerged as morally relevant and this holds implications for defining and discussing embryo discard in counselling and consent processes. |
Keywords: | IVF; frozen embryo; embryo donation; pregnancy termination; embryo destruction |
Description: | Copyright © 2008 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology |
DOI: | 10.1093/humrep/dem056 |
Appears in Collections: | Obstetrics and Gynaecology publications |
Files in This Item:
There are no files associated with this item.
Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.