IVF embryos in the bin, embryo-like structures in the spotlight

Abstract

Embryo-like structures (ELS) are intended for the study of embryonic development without the use of human supernumerary embryos. Scientists working in countries that do not allow research on embryos hope that these structures will replace natural embryos. The interest in ELS is largely based on two misconceptions: the belief that there is a shortage of research embryos and the belief that research on ELS will make research on natural embryos redundant. This paper argues that research efforts should be refocused on natural embryos.