Ethics in embryo research: a position statement by the ASRM Ethics in Embryo Research Task Force and the ASRM Ethics Committee
Ethics in Embryo Research Task Force, Ethics Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Committee members:Paula Amato, Judith Daar, Leslie Francis, Sigal Klipstein, David Ball, Paolo Rinaudo, Alexandar Rajovic, Marissa Palmore, Sean Tipton, Christos Coutifaris, Richard Reindollar, Susan Gitlin, Lee Collins, …, Joseph Davis, Owen Davis, Elena Gates, Elizabeth Ginsburg, Laurence McCullough, Richard Paulson, Ginny Ryan, Mark Sauer, Lynn Westphal, Julianne Zweifel, …
The ASRM Task Force and Ethics Committee's Position
“The formation of human embryos expressly for research purposes is ethically acceptable so long as the proposed research is consistent with the ethical recommendations set out in this position statement.”
Quoted verbatim from this paper.
Our editorial summary of this paper, not the article's abstract.
Abstract
Scientific research using human embryos advances human health and offspring well-being and provides vital insights into the mechanisms for reproduction and disease. Research involving human embryos is ethically acceptable if it is likely to provide significant new knowledge that may benefit human health, well-being of the offspring, or reproduction.
Paula Amato, Judith Daar, Leslie Francis, Sigal Klipstein, David Ball, Paolo Rinaudo, Alexandar Rajovic, Marissa Palmore, Sean Tipton, Christos Coutifaris, Richard Reindollar, Susan Gitlin, Lee Collins, Joseph Davis, Owen Davis, Elena Gates, Elizabeth Ginsburg, Laurence McCullough, Richard Paulson, Ginny Ryan, Mark Sauer, Lynn Westphal, Julianne Zweifel, 0000-0003-0284-2845
P Amato, J Daar, L Francis, S Klipstein, Dave Ball, D Ball, P Rinaudo, A Rajovic, M Palmore, S Tipton, C Coutifaris, Rick Reindollar, Dick Reindollar, Rich Reindollar, R Reindollar, Sue Gitlin, S Gitlin, L Collins, Joe Davis, Joey Davis, J Davis, O Davis, E Gates, Liz Ginsburg, Beth Ginsburg, Betsy Ginsburg, E Ginsburg, Larry McCullough, L McCullough, Rick Paulson, Dick Paulson, Rich Paulson, R Paulson, G Ryan, M Sauer, L Westphal, J Zweifel
PMID 32106974 32106974 DOI 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.10.012 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.10.012 Ethics in Embryo Research Task Force et al. 2020, Ethics in Embryo Research Task Force 2020
Ethics Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 2018·Fertility and sterility
This document discusses the ethical implications of informing offspring about their conception using gamete or embryo donation. It replaces the 2013 ASRM Ethics Committee document of the same name (Fertil Steril 2013;100:45-9).
Ethics Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 2016·Fertility and sterility
Building families through the adoption of children has been supported by human society throughout history. The ethical appropriateness of patients donating embryos to other patients for family building, or for research, is well established and is affirmed by this Committee. The use of the term ''adoption'' for embryos is inaccurate and should be avoided. This document replaces the ASRM Ethics Committee statement by the same name, last published in 2013 (Fertil Steril 2013;99:1846-7).
Ethics Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 2016·Fertility and sterility
This document presents arguments that conclude that it is unethical to use somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) for infertility treatment due to concerns about safety; the unknown impact of SCNT on children, families, and society; and the availability of other ethically acceptable means of assisted reproduction. This document replaces the ASRM Ethics Committee report titled, "Human somatic cell nuclear transfer and cloning," last published in Fertil Steril 2012;98:804-7.
Ethics Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 2018·Fertility and sterility
Posthumous gamete (sperm or oocyte) retrieval or use for reproductive purposes is ethically justifiable if written documentation from the deceased authorizing the procedure is available. Retrieval of sperm or eggs does not commit a center to their later use for reproduction, but may be permissible under the circumstances outlined in this opinion. Embryo use is also justifiable with such documentation. In the absence of written documentation from the decedent, programs open to considering requests for posthumous use of embryos or gametes should only do so when such requests are initiated by the surviving spouse or partner. This document replaces the report of the same name, last published in 2012.