"So, what is an embryo?" A comparative study of the views of those asked to donate embryos for hESC research in the UK and Switzerland

Erica Haimes*, Rouven Porz, Jackie Scully, Christoph Rehmann-Sutter

*Corresponding author for this work
43 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The moral status of the human embryo has gained much attention in debates over the acceptability, or otherwise, of human embryonic stem cell research. Far less attention has been paid to the suppliers of those embryos: people who have undergone IVF treatment to produce embryos to assist them to have a baby. It is sociologically and ethically important to understand their views and experiences of being asked to donate embryos for research if we are to fully understand the wider social and regulatory aspects of hESC science. This paper reports on parallel studies investigating these issues in the UK and in Switzerland. The studies reveal the inextricable entangling of the social and moral status of embryos. Since donors participate in different discursive domains and contexts (public, clinic, family) that shape their perception of "what" an embryo is, their views of embryos embody conflicting ideas and ambivalences.

Original languageEnglish
JournalNew Genetics and Society
Volume27
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)113-126
Number of pages14
ISSN1463-6778
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 06.2008

Research Areas and Centers

  • Research Area: Center for Cultural Studies (ZKFL)

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