Bioethics in assisted reproduction and embryology

Abstract

The use of assisted reproductive therapies, advances in embryo research, and developments in scientific fields such as gene editing and in vitro gametogenesis have attracted the attention of bioethicists for years. On one side, the 14-day rule has faced criticism from embryo researchers advocating for its extension. On the other side, the increasing number of cryopreserved embryos worldwide has raised practical and ethical concerns about their fate. While advancements in scientific research, especially gene editing and in-vitro gametogenesis (IVG), are not yet fully applicable, their potential future use appears to pose significant bioethical questions. In this review, we examine the evolving bioethics of embryo research, focusing on the 14-day rule, the challenges surrounding surplus cryopreserved embryos, and the future dilemmas posed by CRISPR-based gene editing, IVG, and preimplantation genetic testing for polygenic risk (PGT-P). We also highlight the critical role of multidisciplinary, patient-centered counseling in ART practice, to foster informed consent, realistic expectations, and psychosocial well-being. Finally, we underscore the need for anticipatory ethical frameworks and open-society engagement that integrate public deliberation with scientific progress to ensure that reproductive innovation proceeds responsibly, preserving both human dignity and social justice.