Introduction:
In the field of reproductive medicine, there is a growing body of empirical data on the experience of the stakeholders (patients, professionals, and children) in gamete donation, embryo disposition decisions, genetic testing, etc. These data can influence (ethical) guidelines for the practice of assisted reproductive technologies proposed by both national as well as international professional organizations, such as the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). For example, when the UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) was drawing up its recommendations on sex selection of embryos for social reasons they took into account evidence about public opinion (Dahl, 2004; Pennings, 2004), and used public opinion to inform their thinking. In some of these studies, the empirical data gathered is intended to offer more than a description of attitudes and practices. It takes the use of these data one step further when the purpose is to develop, challenge or refine agreements or theoretical concepts that lie at the basis of concrete rules and guidelines. This symposium will bring together many of those authors, working in different European countries, together for the first time, with the aim of sharing insight and experience, and working towards the development of an agenda for empirical research that can inform the regulation of reproductive technology. The need for an inter-European forum is becoming increasingly evident given the rising levels of reproductive tourism within Europe and the rapid development of new technologies.
Call for registration: http://www.brocher.ch/content/resources/On gametes and guidelines – flyer(1).pdf