Factors associated with willingness to donate embryos for research among couples undergoing IVF

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Samorinha, C (Author) Other; Severo M (Author) FMUP; Alves, E (Author) Other; Machado, H (Author) Other; Figueiredo, B (Author) Other; Silva S (Author) FLUP

Journal

Title: Reproductive BioMedicine Online

Vol. 32

Pages: 247-256

ISSN: 1472-6483

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-7TN

DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.11.018

Abstract (EN): Between 2011 and 2012, 213 heterosexual couples undergoing fertility treatments in a Portuguese public fertility centre were systematically recruited to assess factors associated with willingness to donate embryos for research. Data were collected by questionnaire. Most couples (87.3%; 95% CI 82.1 to 91.5) were willing to donate embryos for research, citing benefits for science, health and infertile patients. Almost all couples (94.3%; 95% CI 89.8 to 96.7) reached consensus about the decision. Willingness to donate was more frequent in women younger than 36 years (adjusted OR 3.06; 95% CI 1.23 to 7.61) and who considered embryo research to be very important (adjusted OR: 6.32; 95% CI 1.85 to 21.64), and in Catholic men (adjusted OR 4.16; 95% CI 1.53 to 11.30). Those unwilling to donate reported conceptualizing embryos as children or living beings and a lack of information or fears about embryo research. Men with higher levels of trait anxiety (adjusted OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.84 to 0.96) were less frequently willing to donate. Future research on embryo disposition decision-making should include the assessment of gender differences and psychosocial factors. Ethically robust policies and accurate information about the results of human embryo research are required.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10