O-088. Families from assisted conception: ethical and psychological issues

Ethical Issues in Assisted Conception

Introduction: The overall principles that inform any discussion of medical ethics include respect for the autonomy of the patient, together with the concepts of beneficence and justice. Respect for our patient’s autonomy obliges us to ensure that those giving consent to treatment are fully informed and that confidentiality of their consultations is guaranteed. Beneficence involves considering t...

Ethical Issues in Psychological Research

Egg-sharing in assisted conception: ethical and practical considerations.

The present acute shortage of eggs for donation cannot be overcome unless adequate guidelines are set to alleviate the anxieties regarding payments, in cash or kind, to donors. The current Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) guidelines do not allow direct payment to donors but accept the provision of lower cost or free in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment to women in recogniti...

Ethical issues arising from the use of assisted reproductive technologies

Preconception and conception Assisted conception

The treatment of infertility has developed rapidly, and the anaesthetist may be involved in many aspects of the patient’s treatment, which may be complex. The harvesting of oocytes needs to take place within a defined period of time, or ovulation may have occurred and oocytes will be lost. Couples presenting for infertility treatment are generally anxious and often the women are emotional at th...