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Philosophy

Western University

Philosophy Publications

Cryopreservation

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Donating Fresh Versus Frozen Embryos To Stem Cell Research: In Whose Interests?, Carolyn Mcleod, Françoise Baylis Nov 2007

Donating Fresh Versus Frozen Embryos To Stem Cell Research: In Whose Interests?, Carolyn Mcleod, Françoise Baylis

Philosophy Publications

Some stem cell researchers believe that it is easier to derive human embryonic stem cells from fresh rather than frozen embryos and they have had in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinicians invite their infertility patients to donate their fresh embryos for research use. These embryos include those that are deemed 'suitable for transfer' (i.e. to the woman's uterus) and those deemed unsuitable in this regard. This paper focuses on fresh embryos deemed suitable for transfer - hereafter 'fresh embryos'- which IVF patients have good reason not to donate. We explain why donating them to research is not in the self-interests specifically …