A survey of the practices and opinions of the domestic members of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine

Abstract

To learn how the domestic members of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) use its services and to survey their opinions regarding clinical practices and research in reproductive medicine. A self-administered mail survey. Members of a professional organization. A total of 1,291 members responded. Of these, 80% were physicians, embryologists, or nurses. None. Demographics, use of ASRM services, and opinions. Eighty-five percent of the respondents provided some type of clinical care for individuals with fertility problems. Two thirds read the ASRM News, and more than half used ASRM Practice Committee statements, Ethics Committee opinions, and patient education materials. Eighty-three percent reported that they followed the Ethics Committee opinions. Whereas 78% did not support reproductive cloning, two thirds supported somatic cell nuclear transfer to produce stem cells for research. The majority opposed governmental regulation of assisted reproductive technologies. The domestic membership of the ASRM is diverse in terms of demographics, practices, and opinions. In addition, they find the services of the ASRM to be of value.