Use of Stem Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Infertility: Approaches within Ethical Frameworks

Physical and mental health, as well as hormonal imbalances, are related to issues concerning infertility and fertility disorders. Infertility rates have increased globally due to various reasons. Recognizing the psychosocial impact of infertility and its effects on individuals, there has been a growing emphasis on its treatment in recent years. Assisted reproductive technology can only address approximately 50% of cases, often posing significant risks and failing to resolve the main cause of infertility. Pluripotent stem cells, capable of differentiating into nearly any cell type, are a promising option for stem cell-based fertility treatments that could potentially address genetic diseases in children. These advancements in reproductive biotechnology present both challenges and opportunities for managing infertility issues stemming from various unknown factors. Building on this foundational research, the concept involves using surplus blastocysts from couples for research with therapeutic purposes in medical studies and experiments. However, the ethical considerations concerning the use of stem cells are crucial in the context of human ethics and medical research. Ethical considerations include authorized sources for stem cell production, the use of surplus embryos, obtaining free and informed consent from parents, providing accurate information, maintaining confidentiality, and avoiding unnecessary collection of personal information. While the use of stem cells in infertility treatment should not be prohibited, ethical principles must guide their application. This review article discusses the ethical implications of using stem cells in infertility treatments