Summary of the article: Embryo Transfer simulator
In an experiment conducted to evaluate and design Embryo Transfer simulator with the aim of training reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) fellow undergoing Invitro Fertilization (IVF). IVF is a technology that is aimed at assisting the couples who cannot have a child employing the normal in vivo fertilization and delivery process(Heitmann et al., 2017). The technology is applied in modern day to assist couples with reproductive disorders or infertility problems. Additionally, the technology involves the isolation of an ovum from the woman and sperm from the man the creating conditions that facilitate fertilization in test tubes. The embryo is transferred to the surrogate mothers for implantation.
In this experiment, a more reliable technique of embryo transfer for patients undergoing the IVF. The training of the fellows undergoing the IVF improved the pregnancy rates significantly. The conclusion of the study was that the Embryo transfer stimulation improved the rates of pregnancy to a greater extent. Cohort retrospective study was used to carry out the investigation(Heitmann et al., 2017)
Ethical appraisal
IVF is an expensive technique and cannot be accessed by low-income couples in the United States. The cost of IVF is approximate $12,000. Another ethical concern is that the fertilized embryo is transferred to surrogate mothers and this raises the question of the child ownership(Safaris et al., 2016). Many cases arise when the surrogate mothers claim the ownership of the child. IVF is a very expensive technology that involves a lot of trials and errors. For example, more than one ovum is fertilized to improve the success rate of the experiment(Dickens, 2016). Genetic screening is conducted, and those embryos with genetic errors or any disorders are discarded(Nelson, 2016). This is considered as a failure to appreciate human life. Additionally, the traits of the child can be determined by the parents through this experiment and are therefore considered unethical.
Reference
Dickens, B. (2016). The use and disposal of stored embryos. International Journal Of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 134(1), 114-117. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2016.04.001
Heitmann, R., Hill, M., Csokmay, J., Pilgrim, J., DeCherney, A., &Deering, S. (2017). Embryo transfer simulation improves pregnancy rates and decreases time to proficiency in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellow embryo transfers. Fertility And Sterility. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.01.016
Nelson, S. M., Smith, A., Tilling, K., &Lawlor, D. A. (2016). Optimal oocyte yield for cumulative live-birth rate: analysis of 257,398 IVF cycles and their linked fresh and frozen embryo transfers. Fertility and Sterility, 106(3), e191-e192.
Sarafis, V., Nargund, G., Stasinou, S. M., & Campbell, S. (2014, July). Evaluation of biological efficiency by live birth per oocyte ratio of over 2500 oocytes collected in mild stimulation IVF cycles. In HUMAN REPRODUCTION (Vol. 29, pp. 229-229). GREAT CLARENDON ST, OXFORD OX2 6DP, ENGLAND: OXFORD UNIV PRESS.
