Patient attitudes to donation of embryos for research in Western Australia.
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain patients' attitudes to embryo donation for research purposes.


METHODS
Anonymous questionnaire survey.


METHODS
235 couples who had embryos in storage at Concept Fertility Centre on 30 March 2003 that had been cryopreserved between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2002.


METHODS
Participants' choices with regard to donating embryos to another couple, to research to improve in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) techniques or to stem-cell research, and the likelihood of couples choosing to use a range of sources to help them with their decision.


RESULTS
The response rate was 57%. Twenty-nine per cent of respondents (36/126) reported they would donate their embryos to research that would improve IVF techniques and 27% (34/126) reported they would donate their embryos to stem-cell research. Fifteen per cent (19/126) would donate their embryos to another infertile couple. Willingness to donate to research was not influenced by whether the couple had previous children, or age. Women and men with moderate to strong religious beliefs were less likely to donate to research. Over 90% of respondents indicated they would seek outside help to decide the fate of their embryos.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that about 30% of couples would donate their embryos to research, and highlights the need to provide support and information to help couples through their decision-making process.
Burton
Peter J
PJ
Concept Fertility Centre, King Edward Memorial Hospital, PO Box 966, Subiaco, Perth, WA 6904, Australia. pete@conceptfert.com.au
Sanders
Katherine
K
D001290:Attitude; D019924:Embryo Disposition / Q000523:psychology; D033041:Embryo Research; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D012067:Religion; D013234:Stem Cells; D014904:Western Australia