Ethical analysis of the public’s perception towards human fetal and embryological collections

BACKGROUND: Lack of informed consent is the main ethical challenge in human fetal and embryological collections as it violates autonomy, disregards cultural sensitivities, and reflects historical injustices. It is essential that where future frameworks are established, they are codesigned with relevant communities. METHODS: A survey was used to assess the perceptions of the public toward human fetal and embryological collections, with a focus on informed consent. The study analyzed the results through the lens of macro, meso, and micro ethics, with the consideration of chrono and exo ethics. RESULTS: Researchers collected 313 responses. More than half of the participants (56.5%; n = 177) perceived that there would be value in establishing new human fetal and embryological collections. Women without a history of pregnancy, and regular blood donors (p < 0.005) indicated a preference for obtaining fetal and embryological whole remains, with informed consent (38.4%; n = 76/198). In terms of who institutions should accept donations from, 46.3% (n = 145) of the participants expressed that donations should be accepted from both parental sources. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate discomfort towards collections without informed consent, which should be considered at the chrono, macro, meso, and micro ethical levels.