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Rapid advances in assisted reproductive technologies have resulted in an unanticipated ethical dilemma. From the first successful IVF-ET procedure in 1978 until now, the efficiency and availability of such high-tech procedures has resulted in an estimated 500,000 cryopreserved embryos without a definitive plan for disposition. Embryo Donation, followed by Embryo Adoption, represents one ethical, available, life giving solution for this crisis. Approaches based upon prominent ethical systems are considered and divergent conclusions presented. Philosophical naturalism, (the “scientific materialist”), radical environmentalism and theistic views are examined in light of the cryopreserved embryo situation. Within these worldviews, bioethical systems including Utilitarianism, Kantianism, Rights Based and Communitarian will be explored and evaluated. The value attributed to a tiny collection of human cells becomes the critical decision as one regards the ethical outcome for these embryos. These embryos, “clusters of cells”, are organized and self-determining, yet cannot think, feel, reason or respond to external stimuli. Are cryopreserved embryos persons with legal and moral rights, human precursors to persons, or mere “fetal matter”? Contingent upon which ethical system is adopted, medical research, destruction, terminal thawing, and even permanent crypreservation become acceptable. For the theists who understand creation as a gift from God for His ultimate glory, the value of the unborn, preimplantation embryo is immeasurable. Each cryopreserved embryo represents a tiny human, made in the image of God, worthy of dignity, respect and protection. However, once one ascribes full human personhood to the embryo, even in its cryopreserved state, options resulting in the death of the embryo represent an affront to human life in that they constitute the willful death of a fellow human being. Even as a recognition and appreciation of the differing approaches to the embryo crisis are outlined and understood, constructive dialogue can lead toward an ethical consensus.

Keywords:
embryo donation, embryo adoption, bioethics