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Previous Volume 345:69-70 July 5, 2001 Number 1 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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To the Editor: The disposition of unused embryos is a pressing problem for in vitro fertilization programs.^1,2 Although cryopreservation of embryos gives couples the chance to make additional attempts at pregnancy, unused frozen embryos create a storage problem and require couples to make difficult decisions regarding their disposition. Divorcing couples have had contentious disputes over embryos.³ In addition, interest in the use of these omnipotent cells for genetic research raises concern about unauthorized or inappropriate use.

In vitro fertilization clinics offer these disposition options: continued cryopreservation, uterine transfer, donation to an infertile couple, donation to research, and disposal. In a . . . [Full Text of this Article]

References

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Provoost, V., Pennings, G., De Sutter, P., Gerris, J., Van de Velde, A., De Lissnyder, E., Dhont, M. (2009). Infertility patients' beliefs about their embryos and their disposition preferences. Hum Reprod 24: 896-905 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Fuscaldo, G., Russell, S., Gillam, L. (2007). How to facilitate decisions about surplus embryos: patients' views. Hum Reprod 22: 3129-3138 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Newton, C.R., Fisher, J., Feyles, V., Tekpetey, F., Hughes, L., Isacsson, D. (2007). Changes in patient preferences in the disposal of cryopreserved embryos. Hum Reprod 22: 3124-3128 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• de Lacey, S. (2005). Parent identity and 'virtual' children: why patients discard rather than donate unused embryos. Hum Reprod 20: 1661-1669 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Bangsboll, S., Pinborg, A., Yding Andersen, C., Nyboe Andersen, A. (2004). Patients' attitudes towards donation of surplus cryopreserved embryos for treatment or research. Hum Reprod 19: 2415-2419 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Choudhary, M., Haimes, E., Herbert, M., Stojkovic, M., Murdoch, A.P. (2004). Demographic, medical and treatment characteristics associated with couples' decisions to donate fresh spare embryos for research. Hum Reprod 19: 2091-2096 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Pennings, G (2002). The validity of contracts to dispose of frozen embryos. J. Med. Ethics 28: 295-298 [Abstract] [Full Text]