The point of no return: Up to what point should we be allowed to withdraw consent to the storage and use of embryos and gametes?

Frith, Lucy ORCID: 0000-0002-8506-0699 and Blyth, Eric (2019) The point of no return: Up to what point should we be allowed to withdraw consent to the storage and use of embryos and gametes? BIOETHICS, 33 (6). pp. 637-643.

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Abstract

This article discusses when it is ethically acceptable to withdraw consent for the storage and use of embryos and gametes. Currently, the law in the UK states that consent to use of a gamete or embryo can be withdrawn up to the point of the embryo's transfer to the recipient's uterus or when the gamete is used in providing treatment services; that is, the 'point of no return'. In this article, we will consider other points of no return and argue that having a single point of no return, a one size fits all form of consent can, in some cases, lead to restrictions on individuals' autonomy and cause particular types of harm. Therefore, having different points of no return that fit different circumstances could extend autonomy and allow people to enter into agreements that are tailored more to their own particular needs and circumstances.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	consent, donation, embryo, gamete, regulation, reproductive technologies
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	10 Apr 2019 09:44
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2023 00:54
DOI:	10.1111/bioe.12572
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3036341