Embryological Perspectives on Gamete and Embryo Donation

Abstract

This article addresses the issue of gamete and embryo donation from the perspective of the assisted reproduction laboratory, where the so-called "clinical" embryologists work making all the current variants of in vitro fertilization including the andrology laboratory, oocyte collection, conventional insemination or through ICSI, embryo culture, gamete and embryo quality evaluation, embryo transfer, cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, preimplantation genetic studies, results analyses and quality control, assessment and improvement. To think that the responsibility of an ART laboratory only attains the strictly technical or logistical areas is an error or a simplification that excludes embryologists from other important matters. Clinical embryologists have the obligation to ensure that procedures follow strict ethical rules, highlight deviations or errors from these canons, and refuse to act in cases of violation of said standards. Donating embryos to assist in others´ efforts on building a family is an important option for patients who are considering the disposal of cryopreserved embryos, in excess those needed to meet their own fertility goals.
 Gamete donation, a more widespread procedure, can help us to better understand certain aspects of embryo donation. Donation must be a free transaction, not influenced by guilt or any other type of pressure or coercion of any kind.
 We are facing a totally new issue because we are the only species on the planet that can manipulate our own gametes and embryos in a context where assisted reproduction represents a dramatic challenge to the social values that govern our way of being born, without precedent in human history.