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Health Care Analysis
Published in: Health Care Analysis 2/2015

01-06-2015 | Original Article

To Transfer or Not to Transfer: The Case of Comprehensive Chromosome Screening of the In Vitro Embryo

Author: Kristien Hens

Published in: Health Care Analysis | Issue 2/2015

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Abstract

The screening of in vitro embryos resulting from in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment for chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidies) has as a primary aim to help patients achieve a successful pregnancy. Most IVF centers will not transfer aneuploid embryos, as they have an enhanced risk of leading to implantation failure and miscarriage. However, some aneuploidies, such as trisomy-21, can lead to viable pregnancies and to children with a variable health prognosis, and some prospective parents may request transfer of such embryos. I present two cases where the testing for and detection of trisomy-21 can lead to conflicts between IVF professionals and patients and argue that in most such cases respect for choices of patients should prevail.
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Metadata
Title
To Transfer or Not to Transfer: The Case of Comprehensive Chromosome Screening of the In Vitro Embryo
Author
Kristien Hens
Publication date
01-06-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Health Care Analysis / Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 1065-3058
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3394
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10728-013-0259-y

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