Fulltext

Attitudes of couples towards the destination of surplus embryos: results among couples with cryopreserved embryos in Switzerland

Mohler-Kuo, Meichun ; Zellweger, Ueli ; Duran, Aysun ; Hohl, Michael K. ; Gutzwiller, Felix ; Mutsch, Margot

In: Human Reproduction, 2009, vol. 24, no. 8, p. 1930-1938

Ajouter à la liste personnelle
    Titre
    • Attitudes of couples towards the destination of surplus embryos: results among couples with cryopreserved embryos in Switzerland
    Auteur
    • Mohler-Kuo, Meichun. Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Zurich, Hirschengraben 84, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
    • Zellweger, Ueli. Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Zurich, Hirschengraben 84, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
    • Duran, Aysun. Kantonsspital Baden, Baden, Switzerland
    • Hohl, Michael K.. Kantonsspital Baden, Baden, Switzerland
    • Gutzwiller, Felix. Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Zurich, Hirschengraben 84, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
    • Mutsch, Margot. Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Zurich, Hirschengraben 84, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
    Type de document
    • Postprint
    Langue
    • Anglais
    Publié dans
    • Human Reproduction, 2009, vol. 24, no. 8, p. 1930-1938. Oxford University Press
    Autre version électronique
    Identifiant OAI-PMH
    • oai:doc.rero.ch:291790
    Summary
    BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to investigate attitudes towards the donation of surplus embryos among couples with cryopreserved embryos/zygotes, and to identify correlates associated with attitudes toward the destinations of surplus embryos/zygotes. METHODS Eleven of 19 Swiss in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers in existence in 2004 participated in the survey. Questionnaires were sent to 888 eligible couples; 458 men (52%) and 468 women (53%) returned them. RESULTS Fifty-two percent of the participants supported the donation of surplus embryos to other couples, but divided opinions on the disclosure of biological parents' identities were identified. About 70% of participants indicated that donations of surplus embryos for medical research or therapy should be allowed, following strict regulations. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed couples' position on the moral status of an embryo as the strongest predictor of attitudes toward all destinations of surplus embryos. Having children due to IVF/Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) treatment was negatively associated with attitudes towards donations to other couples. Perceived importance of religion, age >40, being a resident of the French-speaking region and unsuccessful IVF/ICSI treatment experiences were predictive of supporting donations for medical research. CONCLUSIONS Swiss couples with cryopreserved embryos/zygotes are open to different options related to donating, rather than discarding, surplus embryos