A comparative study of assisted human reproduction patients' views about the donation of eggs and embryos for scientific and clincal research

To date, much has been written, globally, about the views of women and couples in various jurisdictions concerning the disposition of both excess human eggs and embryos for therapeutic or research purposes (in either an altruistic or a commercial context). Canadian contributions to the theoretical literature are noteworthy, but contributions to the empirical literature are scarce. The proposed research has three objectives: (i) to generate much-needed Canadian data on the perceptions, views and understandings of women and couples in Canadian IVF programs who have been asked to donate their eggs or embryos for research; (ii) to analyze the potential social and ethical costs associated with egg and embryo donation for research from a feminist perspective, with particular attention to similarities and differences between (a) donors and non-donors, (b) egg donors and embryo donors, and (c) supporters of altruistic donation as compared with those who would prefer a commercialized system; and (iii) to transfer the knowledge gained from Projects 1 and 2 to clinicians, researchers, and policymakers with a view to improving informed decision-making by potential donors and improving existing legislation, regulations, and guidelines governing egg and embryo donation for research. In brief, this research will generate Canadian data on the acceptability of egg and embryo research to potential donors. This data will inform our analysis of the social and ethical costs associated with egg and embryo donation for research. Together, the empirical data and philosophical reflections will provide practical feedback to researchers, practitioners and policymakers.