The frozen embryo dilemma
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14422/pen.v81.i317.y2025.002Keywords:
In vitro fertilisation, Frozen embryos, Human embryo nature, Research on embryos, Embryo adoption, BioethicsAbstract
There are several millions of frozen human embryos around the world as a result of in vitro fertilization techniques. To shed some light on the possible destination of these embryos, present article starts reviewing their nature, especially considering the recent advances of Biology. The conclusion is that embryos cannot be longer contemplated as mere cell bundle, but as an individual organism of the Homo sapiens species. That is why the Catholic Church’s Magisterium condemns the destruction of human embryos, their use for research or therapeutics as well as their cryopreservation.
The proposed destinies of abandoned human embryos, namely their use for research of as a source of biological materials and their adoption, are next reviewed in the light of the scientific data and of the Magisterium, to conclude reiterating an appeal to stop all interventions involving the production of spare embryos.
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