Perceptions and moral distress in surplus embryo disposition among Japanese IVF patients: a qualitative study
Patient perceptions of surplus embryos are shaped by cultural values, gendered expectations, and institutional factors, and practical constraints. These findings highlight the need for culturally responsive, ethically grounded, and flexible care models that acknowledge moral distress as experienced by patients and the growing diversity in how embryos are conceptualized.
Authors
- Masahiro Nakayama (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9285-7877)
- Masatoshi Takagi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7580-9184)
- Tomonori Ishikawa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1012-1557)
- Tatsuya Harada (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3712-3691)
- Yoshiyuki Takimoto (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7033-2623)
- Yoko Urata (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5455-4509)
- Shizuka Katsuzaki
- Chikako Morioka
Institutions
- Bayfront Medical Center (US)
- Kobe University Hospital (JP)
- University of Tokyo Hospital (JP)
- Ladies College (LK)
- National Center For Child Health and Development (JP)
- National Patient Safety Foundation (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Reproductive Health
- Published
- 2025-09-04
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2025.1646340
- Primary Topic
- Reproductive Health and Technologies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Uehiro Foundation on Ethics and Education