J Law Med Ethics. 2013 Sep;41(3):711-719. doi: 10.1111/jlme.12081.

Ethical Quandaries in Gamete-Embryo Cryopreservation Related to Oncofertility.

Ayensu-Coker L, Essig E, Breech LL, Lindheim S.

Source

Board certified obstetrician gynecologist with fellowship training in pediatric and adolescent gynecology. Specialist in Family Law, certified by the Ohio State Bar and a founding member of the respected American Academy of Assisted Reproduction Technology Attorneys. Division chief for Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology at Cincinnati Children's. Medical and Scientific Director at the Arizona Reproductive Institute in Tucson, AZ.

Abstract

While cancer rates continue to increase, therapy has dramatically decreased the mortality rates. The increased efficacy of current therapies may unfortunately have profound toxic effects on gamete function in both adolescent and reproductive age groups, with infertility as an expected consequence of cancer therapy. Significant progress in the advancement of fertility preservation therapies provides realistic options for future fertility in cancer survivors. However, a number of challenging issues need to be considered when presenting fertility preservation options. This overview highlights some of these considerations including religious-cultural-ethical values, access to care and cost of services, developmental capacity and consent, and posthumous reproduction.