ACOG Committee Opinion No. 347: Using Preimplantation Embryos for Research

Abstract

Human embryonic stem cell research promises an increased understanding of the molecular process underlying cell differentiation. Transplantation of embryonic stem cells or their derivatives may, in the future, offer therapies for human diseases. In this Committee Opinion, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee on Ethics presents an ethical framework for examining issues surrounding research using preimplantation embryos and proposes ethical guidelines for such research. The Committee acknowledges the diversity of opinions among ACOG members and affirms that no physician who finds embryo research morally objectionable should be required or expected to participate in such research. The Committee supports embryo research within 14 days after evidence of fertilization but limits it according to ethical guidelines. The Committee recommends that cryopreserved embryos be the preferred source for research but believes that the promise of somatic cell nuclear transfer is such that research in this area is justified. The Committee opposes reproductive cloning. Intended parents for whom embryos are created should give informed consent for the disposition for any excess embryos. The donors of gametes or somatic cells used in the creation of such tissue should give consent for donation of embryos for research. Potential research projects should be described to potential donors as much as possible. Donation of embryos for stem cell research requires specific consent. The Committee believes that compensation for egg donors for research is acceptable, consistent with American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines.