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Donation: Embryo

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Encyclopedia of Global Bioethics

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Abstract

Embryo donation is a radical mutation affecting the conception of individuals. In some cases, embryo donation may be the only solution available to remedy the problem of infertility, enabling the accomplishment of parent-born offspring without a genetic link. According to French law, the embryo is not a “simple” element of the human body, but a “potential person.”

This chapter aims to consider, from the perspective of a practitioner, some issues, including ethical issues, of the legislative framework of embryo donation in France. It is based on the principles given in the Law of Bioethics, i.e., anonymity, volunteering and gratuity, in the name of the ethical principle of equality of chances, i.e., justice, and prevention of commercial use of embryos. The status embryo donation in France includes the rights and obligations that are taken in equal parts in the regulations governing gamete donation and adoption in a specific ethical perspective, but raises a contrario ethical problems.

Regarding the choice and matching of embryos offered for donation, since there are few true genetic contraindications to intra-conjugal in vitro fertilization (IVF), this must also apply to embryo donation (i.e., the same risks and the same guarantees). However, differences exist regarding the autonomy and comprehensiveness of information available to couples who undergo IVF who have the choice whether to accept the risk or not, as this is not the case in embryo donation as currently regulated.

Embryo donation is scarce despite information campaigns, driving couples to undertake cross-border treatments, which leads to a discrimination according to the financial level of couples.

In Europe and elsewhere, the laws, where they exist, and practices of embryo donation vary widely from one country to another. Further thought on the ethical virtues and defects of the framed practices is needed to enhance the debate.

I have no conflict of interest for this work.

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  • Goedeke, S., Daniels, K., Thorpe, M., & Du Preez, E. (2015). Building extended families through embryo donation: the experiences of donors and recipients. Hum Reprod, 30, 2340–2350.

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  • Klitzman, R., & Sauer, M. V. (2015). Creating and selling embryos for “donation”: ethical challenges. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 212(2), 167–170.

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  • Merlet, F. (2014). The donation of gametes and embryos. La Revue du Praticien, 64(1), 97–98.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) Unit, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics & ART, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Nord Val de Seine, site Bichat-Claude Bernard, 46 rue Henri Huchard, 75018, Paris, France

    Sylvie Epelboin

  2. Paris 7-Diderot University, Paris, France

    Sylvie Epelboin

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  1. Sylvie Epelboin
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Correspondence to Sylvie Epelboin .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Duquesne University Center for Healthcare Ethics, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

    Henk ten Have

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Epelboin, S. (2015). Donation: Embryo. In: ten Have, H. (eds) Encyclopedia of Global Bioethics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05544-2_150-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05544-2_150-1

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-05544-2

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