1
|
Frith L, Blyth E. The point of no return: Up to what point should we be allowed to withdraw consent to the storage and use of embryos and gametes? Bioethics 2019; 33:637-643. [PMID: 30887543 DOI: 10.1111/bioe.12572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This article discusses when it is ethically acceptable to withdraw consent for the storage and use of embryos and gametes. Currently, the law in the UK states that consent to use of a gamete or embryo can be withdrawn up to the point of the embryo's transfer to the recipient's uterus or when the gamete is used in providing treatment services; that is, the 'point of no return'. In this article, we will consider other points of no return and argue that having a single point of no return, a one size fits all form of consent can, in some cases, lead to restrictions on individuals' autonomy and cause particular types of harm. Therefore, having different points of no return that fit different circumstances could extend autonomy and allow people to enter into agreements that are tailored more to their own particular needs and circumstances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Frith
- Department of Health Services Research, University of Liverpool, Merseyside, Liverpool, UK
| | - Eric Blyth
- Department of Social Work, University of Huddersfield, Yorkshire, Huddersfield, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gandhi M, Hoang T, Tobin J, Law S, Talaulikar D, Jain S, Vari F, Murigneux V, Fink L, Gunawardana J, Gould C, Oey H, Delecluse S, Trappe R, Merida de Long L, Sabdia M, Bhagat G, Hapgood G, Blyth E, Clancy L, Casey J, Wight J, Hawkes E, Keane C. EBV+ CNS LYMPHOMAS HAVE A DISTINCTIVE TUMOR MICROENVIRONMENT AND GENETIC PROFILE, WHICH IS AMENABLE TO COMBINATION 3 RD
PARTY EBV-SPECIFIC CTL AND IBRUTINIB THERAPY. Hematol Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/hon.91_2629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M.K. Gandhi
- Mater Research UQ; Brisbane Australia
- Haematology; Princess Alexandra Hospital; Brisbane Australia
| | - T. Hoang
- Blood Cancer Research; Diamantina Institute UQ; Brisbane Australia
| | | | - S.C. Law
- Mater Research UQ; Brisbane Australia
| | | | - S. Jain
- Pathology; Canberra Hospital; Canberra Australia
| | - F. Vari
- Blood Cancer Research; Diamantina Institute UQ; Brisbane Australia
| | - V. Murigneux
- Blood Cancer Research; Diamantina Institute UQ; Brisbane Australia
| | - L. Fink
- Blood Cancer Research; Diamantina Institute UQ; Brisbane Australia
| | | | - C. Gould
- Mater Research UQ; Brisbane Australia
| | - H. Oey
- Mater Research UQ; Brisbane Australia
| | - S. Delecluse
- DKFZ; German Cancer Research Centre; Heidelberg Germany
| | | | | | | | - G. Bhagat
- Pathology and Cell Biology; Institute for Cancer Genetics; New York United States
| | - G. Hapgood
- Haematology; Princess Alexandra Hospital; Brisbane Australia
| | - E. Blyth
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research; University of Sydney; Westmead Australia
| | - L. Clancy
- Cellular Therapies; NSW Government Health Pathology; Westmead Australia
| | - J. Casey
- Haematology; Townsville Hospital; Townsville Australia
| | - J. Wight
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute; Heidelberg Australia
| | - E. Hawkes
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute; Heidelberg Australia
| | - C. Keane
- Mater Research UQ; Brisbane Australia
- Haematology; Princess Alexandra Hospital; Brisbane Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee K, Gowrishankar K, Gottlieb D, Blyth E, Micklethwaite K. CD13 and CD33 CAR-T cells for the treatment of myeloid malignancies. Ann Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdy286.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|
4
|
Abstract
This article considers the disclosure, sharing and exchange of information on being donor conceived within families, drawing on data from a study undertaken with donor-conceived adults registered with UK Donor Link (a voluntary DNA-linking register). This paper considers the narratives of how respondents found out they were donor-conceived and what events triggered disclosure of this information. This paper then goes on to examine the role secrecy played in their family life and uses the concept of 'display' to explore how secrecy affected their relationships with their immediate and extended family. Secrets are notoriously 'leaky' and we found complex patterns of knowing and uncertainty about whom in the family knew that the person was donor-conceived. We argue that what is kept secret and from whom provides insights into the multifaceted web of social relationships that can be created by donor-conception, and how knowledge can be managed and controlled in attempts to display and maintain family narratives of biogenetic connection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Frith
- Health Services Research, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Eric Blyth
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, UK
| | - Marilyn Crawshaw
- Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of York, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Crawshaw M, Adams D, Allan S, Blyth E, Bourne K, Brügge C, Chien A, Clissa A, Daniels K, Glazer E, Haase J, Hammarberg K, van Hooff H, Hunt J, Indekeu A, Johnson L, Kim Y, Kirkman M, Kramer W, Lalos A, Lister C, Lowinger P, Mindes E, Monach J, Montuschi O, Pike S, Powell V, Rodino I, Ruby A, Margriet Schrijvers A, Semba Y, Shidlo R, Thorn P, Tonkin L, Visser M, Woodward J, Wischmann T, Yee S, Zweifel JE. Disclosure and donor-conceived children. Hum Reprod 2017; 32:1535-1536. [PMID: 28549124 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Crawshaw
- Department of Social Policy & Social Work, University of York,York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Damian Adams
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park 5042, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sonia Allan
- Deakin Law School, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eric Blyth
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Kate Bourne
- ANZICA (Australian and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors Association) & Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, Level 30/570 Bourke St., Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Claudia Brügge
- DI-Netz e.V. - Deutsche Vereinigung von Familien nach Samenspende, Turnerstr. 49, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Anne Chien
- British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA), Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland
| | | | - Ken Daniels
- Department of Human Services and Social Work, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, Aotearoa/New Zealand
| | | | - Jean Haase
- Private practice, London, Ontario, Canada N6K 4Z7
| | - Karin Hammarberg
- Jean Hailes Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | | | | | - Astrid Indekeu
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden/Centre for Sociological Research, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Louise Johnson
- Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, Level 30/570 Bourke St., Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Young Kim
- The Women's Care Program, Victoria Hospital, Room E3-620B, Zone E, 800 Commissioners Road East, PO Box 5010, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5W9
| | - Maggie Kirkman
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Wendy Kramer
- Donor Sibling Registry, PO Box 1571, Nederland, Colorado 804666, USA
| | - Ann Lalos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Charles Lister
- National Gamete Donation Trust, Mutfords, Hare St., Buntingford, Hertfordshire SG9 0ED, UK
| | | | - Erica Mindes
- Covington and Hafkin & Associates, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Victoria Powell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MS, USA
| | - Iolanda Rodino
- Concept Fertility Centre, 218 Nicholson Road, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alice Ruby
- The Sperm Bank of California, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Anne Margriet Schrijvers
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam Q4-123, Meibergdreef 19, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yukari Semba
- Institute for Gender Studies, Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan
| | - Ruth Shidlo
- Shorashim: Israeli Donor Families, 47/3 Tagore St., Tel Aviv 6920346, Israel
| | - Petra Thorn
- German Society for Fertility Counselling, Private practice, Langener Str. 37, 64546 Moerfelden, Germany
| | - Lois Tonkin
- College of Education, Health & Human Development, Doverdale Campus, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, Aotearoa/New Zealand
| | - Marja Visser
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center/ University of Amsterdam Q4-123, Meibergdreef 19, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julia Woodward
- Psychological Services Program, Duke Fertility Center, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Duke University Health System, 5704 Fayetteville Road, Durham, NC 27713, USA
| | - Tewes Wischmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Samantha Yee
- Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers, CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1002, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1N8, Canada
| | - Julianne E Zweifel
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 2365 Deming Way, Madison, WI 53562, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Blyth E, Crawshaw M, Frith L, van den Akker O. Gamete donors' reasons for, and expectations and experiences of, registration with a voluntary donor linking register. HUM FERTIL 2017. [PMID: 28635412 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2017.1292005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This paper reports on a study of the views and experiences of 21 sperm donors and five egg donors registered with UK DonorLink (UKDL), a voluntary DNA-based contact register established to facilitate contact between adults who wish to identify and locate others to whom they are genetically related following donor conception. Specifically, the paper examines donors' reasons for searching for, or making information about themselves available to donor-conceived offspring. Their expectations of registration with UKDL, experiences of being registered and finally, the experiences of those who had contacted donor-conceived offspring and other genetic relatives are investigated. While most respondents reported largely positive experiences of registration, the study found significant issues relating to concerns about donation, DNA testing, possible linking with offspring and expectations of any relationship that might be established with offspring that have implications for support, mediation and counselling. Research that puts the experiences, perceptions and interests of gamete donors as the central focus of study is a relatively recent phenomenon. This study contributes to this debate and highlights directions for future research in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Blyth
- a School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield , Huddersfield , UK
| | - Marilyn Crawshaw
- b Department of Social Policy and Social Work , University of York , York , UK
| | - Lucy Frith
- c Department of Health Services Research , University of Liverpool , Liverpool , UK
| | - Olga van den Akker
- d Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Technology , Middlesex University , London , UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Frith L, Blyth E, Lui S. Family building using embryo adoption: relationships and contact arrangements between provider and recipient families-a mixed-methods study. Hum Reprod 2017; 32:1092-1099. [PMID: 28333272 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What contact arrangements are established between providers and recipients of embryos using Snowflakes® Embryo Adoption Program? SUMMARY ANSWER Contact arrangements varied considerably and were generally positively described, although some challenges were acknowledged. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Reproductive technologies create new and diverse family forms, and the ways in which families created by embryo adoption are negotiated in practice have not been extensively investigated. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This exploratory, mixed-methods study had two phases: (i) an online survey (open May-September 2013) and (ii) qualitative semi-structured interviews by email (conducted between 2014 and 2015), exploring participants' experiences of contact with their embryo provider or recipient. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Phase I included 17 providers (14 women and 3 men) and 28 recipients (27 women and 1 man). Phase II included 8 providers (5 women and 3 men) and 12 recipients (10 women and 2 men). All participants, except one, were located in the US. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE This study illustrates how embryo adoption in the US, as a form of conditional donation, can operate and how the participants define and negotiate these emerging relationships. All families were open with their children about how they were conceived and early contact between recipients and providers (frequently before birth) was valued. On the whole, participants were happy with the amount and type of contact they had, and where the current contact did not involve the children, it was seen as a way of keeping the channels open for future contact when the children were older. Participants often portrayed the opportunities for contact as being in the best interests of the child. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The study participants are a particular group who had chosen to either receive or give their embryos via a conditional embryo adoption agency in the US and had established contact. Therefore, this is not a representative sample of those who provide or receive embryos for family building. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This embryo adoption model clearly fulfils a need; some people want to use a conditional embryo donation programme such as Snowflakes®. Some form of 'ongoing support mechanism' such as counselling could be useful for those negotiating the complex sets of new kinship patterns and balancing these relationships with their children's welfare. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. Snowflakes is a commercial adoption agency and the authors have no relation to the organization, other than requesting that they participate in this research project. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Frith
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Liverpool, Block B, Waterhouse Buildings, 1-5 Brownlow Street, LiverpoolL69 3GL, UK
| | - Eric Blyth
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Harold Wilson Building, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Steve Lui
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Harold Wilson Building, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Surveys on patients' experiences of cross-border fertility treatment have reported a range of positive and challenging features. However, the number of such studies is limited, and there is no detailed qualitative account of the experiences of UK patients who travel overseas for fertility treatment. The present study used a cross-sectional, qualitative design and in-depth interviews. Fifty-one participants (41 women and 10 men, representing 41 treatment 'cases') participated in semi-structured interviews. The experiences reported were broadly positive with a large proportion of participants (39 cases, 95%) citing a favourable overall experience with only two cases (5%) reporting a more negative experience. Thematic analysis revealed 6 major categories and 20 sub-categories, which described the positive and challenging aspects of cross-border fertility travel. The positive aspects were represented by the categories: 'access', 'control' and 'care and respect'. The more challenging aspects were categorized as 'logistics and coordination of care', 'uncertainty' and 'cultural dissonance'. The study confirms findings from others that despite some challenges, there is a relatively high level of patient satisfaction with cross-border treatment with participants able to extend the boundaries of their fertility-seeking trajectories and in some cases, regain a sense of control over their treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicky Hudson
- a Applied Social Sciences , De Montfort University , Leicester , UK
| | - Lorraine Culley
- a Applied Social Sciences , De Montfort University , Leicester , UK
| | - Eric Blyth
- b School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield , Huddersfield , UK
| | - Wendy Norton
- c School of Nursing & Midwifery, De Montfort University , Leicester , UK
| | - Allan Pacey
- d Reproductive & Developmental Medicine , University of Sheffield , Sheffield , UK
| | - Frances Rapport
- e Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science (CHRIS) , Australian Institute of Healthcare Innovation, Macquarie University , Sydney , NSW , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Affiliation(s)
- O. van den Akker
- School of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | - P. Fronek
- School of Human Services and Social Work, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
| | - E. Blyth
- Centre for Applied Childhood Studies, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - L. Frith
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Macesic N, Langsford D, Nicholls K, Hughes P, Gottlieb DJ, Clancy L, Blyth E, Micklethwaite K, Withers B, Majumdar S, Fleming S, Sasadeusz J. Adoptive T cell immunotherapy for treatment of ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus disease in a renal transplant recipient. Am J Transplant 2015; 15:827-32. [PMID: 25648555 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant cause of morbidity, mortality and graft loss in solid organ transplantation (SOT). Treatment options for ganciclovir-resistant CMV are limited. We describe a case of ganciclovir-resistant CMV disease in a renal transplant recipient manifested by thrombotic microangiopathy-associated glomerulopathy. Adoptive T cell immunotherapy using CMV-specific T cells from a donor bank was used as salvage therapy. This report is a proof-of-concept of the clinical and logistical feasibility of this therapy in SOT recipients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Macesic
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Johnson L, Blyth E, Hammarberg K. Barriers for domestic surrogacy and challenges of transnational surrogacy in the context of Australians undertaking surrogacy in India. J Law Med 2014; 22:136-154. [PMID: 25341324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The ethical, social, psychological, legal and financial complexities associated with cross-border travel for reproductive services are gaining attention internationally. Travel abroad for surrogacy, and the transfer of gametes or embryos between countries for use in a surrogacy arrangement, can create conflict in relation to the rights of the parties involved: commissioning parents, surrogates and their families, gamete and embryo donors, and children born as a result of the arrangement. Australian surrogacy laws are restrictive and limit access to domestic surrogacy. Despite the introduction of laws in some Australian jurisdictions that penalise residents entering into international commercial surrogacy arrangements, hundreds of Australians resort to surrogacy arrangements in India and other countries each year. This article discusses legislation, policy and practice as they relate to Australians' use of surrogacy in India. It reviews current surrogacy-related legislation and regulation in Australia and India and existing evidence about the challenges posed by transnational surrogacy, and considers how restrictive Australian legislation may contribute to the number of Australians undertaking surrogacy in India.
Collapse
|
12
|
|
13
|
|
14
|
Blyth E, Yee S, Lee GL. Freezing the Biological Clock: A Viable Fertility Preservation Option for Young Singaporean Women? Ann Acad Med Singap 2013. [DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.v42n9p472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In March 2012, an article in The Straits Times entitled ‘Freezing eggs could reverse falling birth rate’ suggested that employing the latest oocyte cryopreservation techniques could both foster individual women’s reproductive autonomy and impact Singapore’s fertility rate, which in recent years has consistently been among the world’s lowest. The article cited both local and international fertility specialists’ approval of elective oocyte cryopreservation for young women wishing to protect their reproductive potential against ageing and as a potential antidote to the contemporary ‘delay and defer’ model of family-building. Later in 2012, the Ministry of Health announced a review of oocyte cryopreservation policy taking into account related medical, scientific and ethical issues, while the Singapore College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists endorsed oocyte cryopreservation as an “important, safe and efficient technology”. This paper outlines and analyses the arguments and empirical evidence used both to support and oppose offering elective oocyte cryopreservation as a routine fertility service, before concluding that this remains unjustifiable on the basis of insufficient evidence of its clinical efficacy and safety as regards either pregnancy rates or birth outcomes. If it is to be made available at all for these reasons in Singapore, it should be subjected to rigorous clinic-specific evaluation in accordance with accepted clinical and ethical norms.
Key words: Elective oocyte cryopreservation, Outcomes
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Blyth
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield England, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha Yee
- Centre for Fertility and Reproductive Health, Mount Sinai Hospital Toronto, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Blyth E, Yee S, Lee GL. Freezing the biological clock: a viable fertility preservation option for young Singapore women? Ann Acad Med Singap 2013; 42:472-477. [PMID: 24162322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In March 2012, an article in The Straits Times entitled 'Freezing eggs could reverse falling birth rate' suggested that employing the latest oocyte cryopreservation techniques could both foster individual women's reproductive autonomy and impact Singapore's fertility rate, which in recent years has consistently been among the world's lowest. The article cited both local and international fertility specialists' approval of elective oocyte cryopreservation for young women wishing to protect their reproductive potential against ageing and as a potential antidote to the contemporary 'delay and defer' model of family-building. Later in 2012, the Ministry of Health announced a review of oocyte cryopreservation policy taking into account related medical, scientific and ethical issues, while the Singapore College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists endorsed oocyte cryopreservation as an "important, safe and efficient technology". This paper outlines and analyses the arguments and empirical evidence used both to support and oppose offering elective oocyte cryopreservation as a routine fertility service, before concluding that this remains unjustifiable on the basis of insufficient evidence of its clinical efficacy and safety as regards either pregnancy rates or birth outcomes. If it is to be made available at all for these reasons in Singapore, it should be subjected to rigorous clinic-specific evaluation in accordance with accepted clinical and ethical norms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Blyth
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield England, United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sawyer N, Blyth E, Kramer W, Frith L. A survey of 1700 women who formed their families using donor spermatozoa. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:436-47. [PMID: 23953068 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This paper reports the results of an online survey of 1700 recipients of donor spermatozoa conducted by the Donor Sibling Registry, aiming to understand the perspectives of respondents who had used donor spermatozoa. The survey examined: choice of sperm bank and donor; reporting of births and genetic disorders; disclosure; contact with donor and half-siblings; regulation of sperm donor activity and genetic testing; and access to medical information. The respondents formed three groups: single women; women in a same-sex relationship; and women in a heterosexual relationship. Some differences between the three cohorts were observed: preinsemination counselling; acceptance of donors without medical records or with chronic or late-onset diseases; awareness of choice of bank and type of donor; and views on the right of offspring to know their genetic origins. However, important areas of common ground were identified: the wish by those who had used an anonymous donor that they had used an open-identity donor; support for, and willingness to pay for, comprehensive genetic testing of donors; and desire for access to their donor's family health information. The implications of these results for policies concerning the use and management of donor spermatozoa will be discussed. This paper reports the results of a survey of 1700 women who used donor spermatozoa to conceive a child. The survey considers their views on the following areas: choice of sperm bank and donor; reporting of births and genetic disorders; disclosure; contact with donor and half-siblings; regulation of sperm donor activity and genetic testing; and access to medical information. This was an online survey was designed and conducted by the Donor Sibling Registry (DSR), a US-based non-profit organization that supports donor sperm recipients, donors and donor-conceived people. The survey aimed to understand the experiences, perspectives and concerns of women who had used donor spermatozoa. The respondents formed three groups: single women; women in a same sex relationship; and women in a heterosexual relationship. Some differences between the three groups were observed: preinsemination counselling; acceptance of donors without medical records or with chronic or late-onset diseases; awareness of choice of bank and type of donor; and the right of offspring to know their genetic origins. However, despite these differences, important areas of common ground were identified: the wish by those who had used an anonymous donor that they had used an open-identity donor; support for, and a willingness to pay for, comprehensive genetic testing of donors; and desire for access to their donor's family health information. The implications of these results for policies concerning the use and management of donor spermatozoa will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neroli Sawyer
- School of Health Sciences, University of Ballarat, University Drive, Mount Helen, Ballarat, Victoria 3353, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
There are substantial numbers of frozen embryos in storage that will not be used by those who produced them for their own fertility treatment. One option for such embryos is to donate them to others to use in their fertility treatment. There has been considerable debate about how this process should be organized. In the US, there are embryo adoption programmes that mediate between those relinquishing embryos and potential recipients. This is a form of conditional embryo donation, where the relinquishing couple can choose the recipient of their embryo. This article examines the ethical debate over conditional embryo donation for family building and explores the question of whether those who have unused frozen embryos should be able to determine who receives their embryos. The main objections to conditional embryo donation are examined: first, the embryo is not a person and therefore such concern over the placement of an embryo is unwarranted; secondly, potential donors might impose morally problematic conditions on who should receive their embryo; and thirdly, there are practical difficulties regarding organizational arrangements and the associated costs involved. It will be concluded that these objections can be countered and that if people wish to donate and receive embryos in this way there is no ethical objection to them doing so.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Frith
- University of Liverpool Department of Health Services Research – The Whelan Building Brownlow Hill Liverpool L69 3GB, United Kingdom.
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Blyth E. Below population replacement fertility rates: Can assisted reproductive technology (ART) help reverse the trend? Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/s2305-0500(13)60137-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
|
19
|
Clancy L, Brown R, Burgess J, Simms R, Blyth E, Micklethwaite K, Gottlieb D. Establishment of an australian bank of third party antiviral cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Cytotherapy 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2013.01.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
20
|
Ma C, Blyth E, Clancy L, Simms R, Burgess J, Micklethwaite K, Gottlieb D. Prophylactic infusion of multi-virus specific T cells for management of viral reactivation and infection in patients post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Cytotherapy 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2013.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
21
|
Simmonds M, Blyth E, Robson W, Chikhani M. Quality assurance in severe sepsis: an individualised audit/feedback system results in substantial improvements at a UK teaching hospital. Crit Care 2013. [PMCID: PMC3643169 DOI: 10.1186/cc12438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
|
22
|
Blyth E, Kramer W, Schneider J. Perspectives, experiences, and choices of parents of children conceived following oocyte donation. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 26:179-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2012.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
23
|
Culley L, Hudson N, Blyth E, Norton W, Pacey A, Rapport F. ‘What are you going to do, confiscate their passports?’ Professional perspectives on cross-border reproductive travel. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2012.762084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
24
|
Blyth E, Crawshaw M, Frith L, Jones C. Donor-conceived people's views and experiences of their genetic origins: a critical analysis of the research evidence. J Law Med 2012; 19:769-789. [PMID: 22908619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This article reports on a systematic review of English language, peer-reviewed publications from 13 empirical studies with donor-conceived children and adults regarding their experiences and perceptions of donor conception. A total of 19 articles that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. These were identified by means of a bibliographic search of four electronic databases for the period 1990-2011 and supplemented by the authors' personal knowledge of work in this field. No reports from such studies appeared prior to 2000, and more than half have been published since 2008, demonstrating the relative novelty of research in this field. Much of the reviewed research evidence concerns individuals conceived through sperm donation conducted under a regime promoting both anonymity and nondisclosure. Consequently, there is little research that pertains to individuals conceived through other forms of collaborative reproduction, nor to those conceived under arrangements and regimes in which early parental disclosure is both advocated and practised and the identity of the donor and of other genetic relatives may be accessible to donor-conceived individuals. The studies consistently report that most donor-conceived people have an interest in securing information about their genetic and biographical heritage - more information than most of them have been able to obtain. Although a number of methodological limitations in the research base are identified, the authors conclude that the evidence is sufficiently robust to promote the implementation of policies and practices that promote transparency and openness in collaborative reproduction, thus reflecting the importance of maximising future choices and opportunities for donor-conceived people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Blyth
- Social Work, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HDI 3DH, England.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Frith L, Blyth E, Paul M, Berger R. Reply: Suggestions regarding a 'positive' vocabulary for embryo donation. Hum Reprod 2012. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
26
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is widely accepted that infertility and involuntary childlessness, and the decision to engage with assisted reproduction technology (ART) services as a patient, donor or surrogate can entail wide-ranging psychosocial issues. Psychosocial counselling has, therefore, become valued as an integral element of ART services. The objective of this study was to begin to map out what exists globally by the way of guidelines for infertility counselling. METHODS Data were analysed from formal guidelines produced by seven national infertility counselling bodies, onetransnational infertility counselling organization, reports of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine Ethics Committee and Practice Committee and the ESHRE Task Force on Ethics and Law. Additional sources of data were the International Infertility Counseling Organization and counselling colleagues internationally. RESULTS Four broad areas concerning contemporary practice in infertility counselling are identified: (i) the legal mandate for counselling; (ii) eligibility credentials for individuals carrying out professional counselling activities; (iii) different forms of counselling and (iv) counselling practice in relation to specific elements of assisted reproduction treatment. CONCLUSIONS Internationally, the development of infertility guidelines is best described as a 'work in progress', although key trends are evident.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Blyth
- University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Stephenson J, Blyth E, Kramer W, Schneider J. Donor type and parental disclosure following oocyte donation. Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s2305-0500(13)60046-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
|
28
|
Abstract
Cross-border reproductive services (CBRS) is a phenomenon discussed worldwide. The major challenges associated with CBRS are the lack of data on the number of patients travelling for treatment and lack of transparency regarding the quality and safety of treatment procedures, especially in countries that have not yet introduced legislation or binding professional guidelines. This has given rise to practices that range from dubious to irresponsible treatment. Given that pan-European (let alone globally encompassing) legislation or guidelines are unlikely to appear quickly if at all, the authors suggest the implementation of ethically based minimum standards of care to which clinics and service providers can adhere on a voluntary basis. Such minimum standards of care can result in providing infertility treatment that is transparent, accountable and carried out responsibly for all parties involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Thorn
- Private practice, Moerfelden, Moerfelden, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Blyth E. Genes r us? Making sense of genetic and non-genetic relationships following anonymous donor insemination. Reprod Biomed Online 2012; 24:719-26. [PMID: 22503338 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2012.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Revised: 01/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This exploratory qualitative study investigates the experiences of eight adults conceived following anonymous sperm donation who had discovered the identity both of their donor and of donor half-siblings and had established contact with each other. It focuses primarily on participants' reflections on genetic and social kinship relationships. Data were collected from this group as well as from the son of the donor and the donor-conceived half-sister of one participant by means of semistructured interviews utilizing asynchronous email and digitalized voice recording. Participants discussed their experience of genetic disconnection resulting from learning of their donor-conceived status and of revising their personal biographies and developing new kinship networks as a result of discovering the identity of their donor and the existence of donor half-siblings. The study highlights participants' agency expressed through their ability to draw on both genetic and non-genetic elements of their inheritance to redefine their self-identity and extend their familial/kinship networks in meaningful ways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Blyth
- University of Huddersfield, School of Human and Health Sciences, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Blyth E, Yee S, Ka Tat Tsang A. Perspectives of Canadian Oocyte Donors and Recipients on Donor Compensation and the Establishment of a Personal Health Information Registry. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 2012; 34:72-79. [DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(16)35137-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
31
|
Blyth E, Yee S, Tsang AKT. “They Were My Eggs; They Were Her Babies”: Known Oocyte Donors’ Conceptualizations of Their Reproductive Material. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 2011; 33:1134-40. [PMID: 22082787 DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(16)35081-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Blyth
- University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Frith L, Blyth E, Paul MS, Berger R. Conditional embryo relinquishment: choosing to relinquish embryos for family-building through a Christian embryo 'adoption' programme. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:3327-38. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
33
|
|
34
|
Verhaak C, Blyth E. INVITED SESSION, SESSION 13: INFERTILITY COUNSELLING - TOWARDS QUALITY CARE, Monday 4 July 2011 14:00 - 15:00. Hum Reprod 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/26.s1.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
35
|
Blyth E, Thorn P, Wischmann T. CBRC and psychosocial counselling: assessing needs and developing an ethical framework for practice. Reprod Biomed Online 2011; 23:642-51. [PMID: 21962772 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Revised: 05/27/2011] [Accepted: 07/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Encountering infertility and involuntary childlessness and undergoing infertility treatment are acknowledged as stressful experiences that impact on individuals' psychological and emotional health – and for which access to psychosocial counselling by a skilled mental health professional may be beneficial. Evidence of patients', gamete donors' and surrogates' experiences indicates that utilization of infertility treatment in another country may not only exacerbate these psychosocial adversities, but may also pose additional risks to the psychological or physical health of participants, thus further emphasizing the need for competent psychosocial counselling services in cross-border reproductive care. However, this is a largely neglected topic in recent discussions of both CBRC itself and of infertility counselling practice. This paper extends the previous work undertaken by two of the authors to begin to map out practice issues within an ethical framework for counsellors when working with clients, donors, surrogates, individuals conceived following infertility treatment and existing children in clients', donor's and surrogates' families where cross-border reproductive treatment is considered or undertaken.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Blyth
- University of Huddersfield, School of Human and Health Sciences, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, United Kingdom.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Culley L, Hudson N, Rapport F, Blyth E, Norton W, Pacey AA. Crossing borders for fertility treatment: motivations, destinations and outcomes of UK fertility travellers. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:2373-81. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
37
|
Gaundar S, Clancy L, Blyth E, Simms R, Mickleth K, waiteGottlieb D. The Generation of Clinical Grade Aspergillus Fumigatus (AF) Specific Immune Cells for Adoptive Immunotherapy. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2010.12.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
38
|
Clancy L, Blyth E, Simms R, Gottlieb D. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) pp65 Specific T Cells Expanded From Mobilised Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) Collections for Prophylactic Adoptive Immunotherapy. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2010.12.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
39
|
Blyth E, Clancy L, Simms R, Gottlieb D. BK Virus Specific T Cells Expanded Ex Vivo for Use in Cellular Therapy Show Multiple Antigen Specificity and Polyfunctional Th1 Responses. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2010.12.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
40
|
Blyth E, Gourounti K, Anagnostopoulos F, Paparisteidis N, Bolaris S, Kiriakaki M, Lykeridou K, Vaslamatzis G, Moura-Ramos M, Gameiro S, Soares I, Santos TA, Canavarro MC, Wilson C, Berg T, Fisher JR, Hammarberg K, Halliday J. SELECTED ORAL COMMUNICATION SESSION, SESSION 52: PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELLING, Tuesday 5 July 2011 17:00 - 18:00. Hum Reprod 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/26.s1.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
41
|
Lui S, Blyth E, Clua E, Lasheras G, Mallorqui N, Boada M, Rodriguez I, Veiga A, Van Hoof W, Pennings G, Svitnev K. POSTER VIEWING SESSION - CROSS BORDER REPRODUCTIVE CARE. Hum Reprod 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/26.s1.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|
42
|
Abstract
This qualitative study sought to provide an in-depth understanding of the experiences of couples who have relinquished their stored frozen embryos to one or more infertile couples. All couples were recruited through a U.S. based not-for-profit, prolife, Christian "embryo adoption" agency. In-depth semistructured interviews were undertaken via e-mail. Implications for practice strategies, including effective ways for educating couples with surplus frozen embryos are offered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn S Paul
- School of Social Work, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY 10583, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Ehrich K, Farsides B, Williams C, Braude P, Scott R, Avery S, Franklin S, Wainwright S, Koch L, Poulain M, Hesters L, Blin V, Fanchin R, Frydman N, Armbrust R, Siemann A, Tandler-Schneider A, Sibold C, Stief G, Montag U, Borkenhagen A, Kentenich H, Rauprich O, Berns E, Vollmann J, El Gelany S, Abdel-Megeed A, Khalifa H, Levi Setti PE, Albani E, Cesana A, Novara P, Baggiani AM, Zannoni E, Morenghi E, Arfuso V, Scaravelli G, Frith L, Blyth E. Session 59: Ethics & Law. Hum Reprod 2010. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/de.25.s1.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
44
|
Blyth E. Fertility patients' experiences of cross-border reproductive care. Fertil Steril 2010; 94:e11-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2009] [Revised: 01/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/15/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
45
|
Romera N, Llacer J, Aula M, Canevelli S, Ten J, Bernabeu R, Culley L, Hudson N, Blyth E, Norton W, Pacey A, Rapport F, Dupond I, Imbert R, Demeestere I, Devreker F, Englert Y, Delbaere A, Van Hooff MH, van der Meer-Noort I, Alberda AT, Verhoef A, Kremer JAM. Session 51: Cross Border Reproductive Care. Hum Reprod 2010. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/de.25.s1.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
46
|
|
47
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This paper reports on a qualitative empirical study of the experiences of women (and their partners) attending one UK assisted conception unit, who have considered egg sharing. AIMS In the absence of any published research of the experiences of people contemplating egg sharing and the considerable concerns that egg sharing had generated (for an overview see Blyth, 2002), the major purpose of the study was to examine the experiences not only of those who had considered and proceeded with egg sharing but also those who had considered, but had then decided against, egg sharing. In addition, since the views of male partners are frequently overlooked in studies of assisted conception treatment (cf. Ahuja, Mostyn, & Simons, 1997) the project actively sought the involvement of the women's partners. The study was designed to explore couples' motivation for egg sharing, their experiences of treatment, attitudes regarding information about egg sharing treatment and outcomes, and attitudes towards egg sharing. METHODS The centre sent a written invitation to participate in the study to all women who had indicated an interest in egg sharing and who had received both information and counselling in advance of proceeding (n = 60). Of these, 43 had decided to proceed after the counselling session and 17 had decided not to do so. Expressions of interest in participating in the study were received from 20 women: (a) five women had proceeded with egg sharing but had not been successful with their own treatment at the time of interview--all husbands/partners also participated (n = 10); (b) seven women had proceeded with egg sharing and had conceived (one of whom had conceived unexpectedly without assisted conception services)--5 couples and 2 women participated (n = 12); (c) six women decided to proceed with egg sharing, however an insufficient number of eggs were available following egg retrieval to enable egg sharing to take place--all husbands/partners also participated (n = 12); (d) two women decided not to proceed--and both husbands/partners participated (n = 4). The study data were derived from retrospective semi-structured interviews conducted by the author with these 20 women and 18 husbands/partners. Respondents also completed a paper exercise following the interview indicating their level of agreement or disagreement with a number of statements relating to egg sharing that were derived from responses to the HFEA's consultation on the withdrawal of payment to donors (HFEA 1998a.). While there was an overall 33% response rate, the response rate for those who had decided to proceed with egg sharing (41.9%) was greater than for those who had decided not to proceed (11.8%). Consequently, this study under-represents the views of women and their partners who had considered, but then rejected, egg sharing. Couples agreeing to participate in the research were given a choice of being interviewed together or separately and in their own home or at an alternative venue. This choice of separate or joint interviews was offered as part of the explicit effort to involve men in the study and to maximize participant choice. Twelve couples agreed to be interviewed separately; six couples were interviewed together and two women whose partners did not take part in the study were interviewed alone. There was no evidence of any significant differences in interview data between joint and separate interviews. Indeed, there was little disagreement between partners at all; this is probably not surprising, given that they will have discussed their decision about egg sharing together and will be aware of each other's views about at least some of the issues discussed during interview. All except four interviews took place in respondents' own homes. Two interviews took place in the centre at the respondents' requests and two interviews were conducted by telephone because of geographical considerations. All interviews were audio-recorded with respondents' permission and subsequently transcribed verbatim. The research was conducted in accordance with the British Psychological Society Statement of Ethical Principles for Conducting Research with Human Subjects (British Psychological Society, 2002). Ethical approval was given by the University of Huddersfield Ethics Committee.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Blyth
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
This paper examines the main ethical argument used to support the use of sex selection for non-medical reasons, namely that sex selection for non-medical reasons should be allowed on the grounds of reproductive autonomy. A critique of this argument is offered, concluding that sex selection for non-medical reasons should not be permitted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Blyth
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Blyth E, Burr V, Farrand A. Welfare of the child assessments in assisted conception: A social constructionist perspective. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/02646830701691301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
50
|
Blyth E. “i wanted to be interesting. i wanted to be able to say ‘i've done something interesting with my life’”: Interviews with surrogate mothers in britain. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2007. [DOI: 10.1080/02646839408408885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|