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Embryos without a future: ethical conflicts and decisions regarding the reproductive donation of “abandoned” cryopreserved embryos
Proposal summary
In Spain, nearly 800,000 cryopreserved embryos are currently stored in assisted reproduction centres. A significant proportion of these remain in storage without a defined future due to the lack of renewal of consent by the women or people with the capacity to gestate who generated them through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments.
The current legal framework provides for four possible options—use by the individuals themselves, donation for reproductive purposes, donation for research, or discontinuation of storage—but does not offer clear answers in cases where consent is not renewed, creating an ethical, legal and practical gap.
Using an empirical bioethics approach, this project examines the conflicts, motivations and barriers experienced by those involved in the donation of cryopreserved embryos: individuals who generated the embryos, potential recipients and assisted reproduction professionals.
Objective
To explore the ethical conflicts, motivations and barriers that influence decision-making regarding the donation of cryopreserved embryos for reproductive purposes, based on the experiences and perspectives of the three groups involved:
- Women or people with the capacity to gestate who have generated embryos through IVF.
- Women or people with the capacity to gestate who are considering receiving donated embryos as a reproductive option.
- Healthcare professionals involved in providing information, support and managing these processes.
The project seeks to inform bioethical reflection and public debate on the future of cryopreserved embryos in Spain by providing qualitative evidence that contributes to more sensitive and equitable clinical practices and policies.
Methodology
Qualitative research based on semi-structured interviews with individuals involved in embryo donation.
Funding
2025 Bioethics Research Grant from the Víctor Grífols i Lucas Foundation.
View information about the call for applications
Expected impact
The project will generate the first qualitative empirical evidence in Spain on the perceptions, emotions and values associated with the reproductive donation of cryopreserved embryos.
Its findings will contribute to:
- Improving the institutional and clinical understanding of the ethical challenges faced by those involved.
- Improving information and clinical support processes for patients.
- Informing ethical recommendations and practical guidance that are more responsive to clinical realities.
- Promoting a fair and responsible approach to assisted reproduction that respects the autonomy and lived experiences of those affected.
