Frozen pre-embryos
Article Abstract:
A report has been issued by the Committee on Medicolegal Problems and the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs that offers recommendations on the use of frozen human pre-embryos. Advances in techniques for in vitro fertilization have resulted in benefits to those who might not otherwise have a child, but many unresolved medicolegal questions have also been raised. A recent court case illustrates the potential legal and ethical dilemma that can be created as a result of freezing pre-embryos. A married couple each donated gametes to form a number of 'pre-embryos' which were frozen for future use. The couple subsequently divorced and each sued for 'custody' of the pre-embryos; one party wanted to use them, the other did not. The court decided that life begins in the womb; the pre-embryos could not be disposed of and could be used to initiate a pregnancy. After examination of both the legal and ethical problems generated by this issue, the Committee on Medicolegal Problems and the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs made the following three recommendations. First, the decision of what may be done with frozen human pre-embryos should reside with the gamete donors; before the pre-embryos can be disposed of, both parties must be in agreement. Second, all previous agreements on the disposition of the pre-embryos should be honored, unless one of the parties can demonstrate a change of circumstances, which makes the agreement unreasonable. Advance agreements are encouraged to minimize the number of lawsuits generated. Finally, pre-embryos can be allowed to deteriorate, used by gamete donors, donated for use by others, or donated for research purposes. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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High-Dose Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Article Abstract:
More research is needed to determine whether high-dose chemotherapy followed by a bone marrow transplant is effective in treating breast cancer. High doses of chemotherapy can damage the immune system, so doctors give patients a bone marrow transplant to restore immune function. As of November, 1999, 9 clinical trials have compared high-dose chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant to regular-dose chemotherapy. Some studies have shown modest improvements in survival whereas others have not.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
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No threshold dose for estradiol-induced sex reversal of turtle embryos: how little is too much?
Article Abstract:
The findings of this study indicate even very low doses of exogenous estradiol adversely affect the eggs of red-eared slider turtles. No threshold dose was observed because endogenous estrogens were already at a significantly high concentration to affect sex reversal.
Publication Name: Environmental Health Perspectives
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0091-6765
Year: 1999
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