Researching human oocyte cryopreservation: ethical issues.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate some ethical concerns related to the selection of participants for oocyte cryopreservation research.


METHODS
Review of ethical issues related to human oocyte cryopreservation research.


METHODS
Academic medical center.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
A discussion of some ethical concerns surrounding selection of participants for oocyte cryopreservation research.


RESULTS
Human oocyte cryopreservation has the potential to expand reproductive options for infertile couples. Care needs to be taken, however, to carefully select participants in ways that maximizes benefits to them and to society and minimizes risks. Infertility programs can do so by trying to recruit women who stand to benefit the most from participating in oocyte cryopreservation protocols.


CONCLUSIONS
Biomedical research is necessary to improve current medical therapies. Oocyte cryopreservation can increase the flexibility of assisted reproductive programs and offer hope to a significant number of infertile couples. Nonetheless, scientific research cannot be attentive only to the creation of new knowledge and new technologies; it also is inextricably tied to ethical considerations about the well-being of participants.
de Melo-Martin
Inmaculada
I
Division of Medical Ethics, Department of Public Health, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10021, USA. imd2001@med.cornell.edu
Cholst
Ina N
IN
D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000941:ethics*; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000941:ethics*; D005260:Female; D006805:Human Experimentation / Q000941:ethics*; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics; D009865:Oocytes; D018579:Patient Selection / Q000941:ethics*; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000941:ethics*