Managing Excess Embryos in IVF and Stem Cell Research

Excess Embryos in IVF

• Problem with IVF: Couples going through IVF often produce many embryos, but only a few are implanted or transferred.
• Current Scenario (US): Approximately 400,000 excess embryos in storage.

Options for Excess Embryos

• Storage: Many opt to keep embryos in storage indefinitely.
• Destruction: Most people are reluctant to destroy embryos.
• Transfer: Few want to have multiple children from all excess embryos.
• Research: Potential use in research, especially human embryonic stem cell research.

Human Embryonic Stem Cells

• Source: Extra embryos from IVF can be used for stem cell research.
• Supply and Demand: Large supply of embryos but limited use due to regulations.

Regulations and Legal Considerations

• US Regulations:
  • Highly restrictive regarding stem cell research.
  • Use of federal funds for embryonic stem cell research is prohibited.
• International Perspective: Other countries have more permissive regulations.
• Paradox: US is liberal with fertility treatments but restrictive with stem cell research.

Excerpt provided by the Massachusetts School of Law.