Parents should have a choice on surplus embryos

STEM cell research is a topic of considerable interest to many members of the National Infertility Support & Information Group (NISIG) — a voluntary, non-profit, multi-denominational body set up in 1996.

Freezing embryos is very beneficial to couples as it reduces the amount of drugs the female has to take to produce eggs (ova). Taking drugs can be fairly tough, and it also holds the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

While undergoing treatment most females produce eight to twelve eggs, and of those, four to eight will fertilise. Many will not be suitable for freezing. Doctors do not create life; they provide a safe place for the gametes to meet.

We do not feel there will be millions of surplus embryos, but the fact remains that there is, and will be, a surplus a minority in quantity.

Couples who have surplus embryos have been blessed and fortunate to have had a child or children through IVF treatment. Currently there is only one option for many Irish parents who have excess embryos to let them perish after a certain length of time. This can cause stress and discomfort for many couples.

We have heard from some couples that their wish is to bury their embryos which cannot be seen by the naked eye with their departed loved ones.

Elsewhere in Europe, there is the option of donation, which holds many challenges, but it is not available in Ireland.

Many couples have expressed the view that, but for science and research, they would not have realised their dream except through IVF treatment. They would welcome the opportunity to donate their two to eight cell embryos, if the law permitted, to science to help resolve conditions and diseases, such as multiple miscarriages, improve pregnancy rates following IVF treatment, nerve and muscular degenerative diseases, resulting in better treatment and therapy options for others to be monitored very closely.

Infertile couples who are now parents have no vested interest but do care about the fate of their embryos.

NISIG values life and children that is why we are prepared to go through extensive investigations and treatment in the hope of creating a family.

Surplus embryos exist and parents should have the choice of whatever options are there for them. NISIG condemns creating embryos for the sole purpose of research.

Martina Horgan,

PRO,

National Infertility Support and Information Group,

Box 131,

Eglinton Street,

Cork.