considerations

• FROZEN EMBRYOS

  Embryos produced but not used during an IVF cycle are typically frozen

  Embryos (often in the blastocyst stage) : 

  • Cooled to -196 °C 
  • Stored in liquid nitrogen tanks 

  Embryos stop developing, remaining in the same stage until thawed
• FROZEN EMBRYOS

  Embryos can be kept indefinitely, but there are regulations guiding this

  • Five years is the typical limit, can be extended through consultation with specialists
• FROZEN EMBRYOS

  When embryos are no longer needed, couples can :

  • Dispose of the embryos
  • Donate them to other people/couples
  • Donate them for research
• FROZEN EMBRYOS

  Outcome of embryos is a serious ethical and moral consideration

  → many legalities and guidelines 

  Various choices available for those involved, to accommodate religious and personal beliefs and values
• RELIGIOUS BELIEFS

  Religions differ in their acceptance of assisted reproduction
• RELIGIOUS BELIEFS

  Some concerns are : 

  • Involvement of a third party in the process of fertilisation
  • Fate of excess embryos
  • Separation of procreation and sexual function
• COSTS

  Assisted reproductive technologies are very expensive
• COSTS

  Some costs involved are :

  • Specialist doctor consultations
  • Initial tests and screenings
  • Medications
  • Fertility treatments (e.g. IVF, ICSI)
  • Surgery and hospital costs
  • Access to the donor program
  • Frozen sperm, egg or embryo storage
• COSTS

  Most couples require multiple cycles to fall pregnant

  → assisted reproduction becomes very expensive