RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Gametes or organs? How should we legally classify ovaries used for transplantation in the USA?
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 166
OP 170
DO 10.1136/jme.2010.038588
VO 37
IS 3
A1 Lisa Campo-Engelstein
YR 2011
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/37/3/166.abstract
AB Ovarian tissue transplantation is an experimental procedure that can be used to treat both infertility and premature menopause. Working within the current legal framework in the USA, I examine whether ovarian tissue should be legally treated like gametes or organs in the case of ovarian tissue transplantation between two women. One option is to base classification upon its intended use: ovarian tissue used to treat infertility would be classified like gametes, and ovarian tissue used to treat premature menopause would be classified like organs. In the end, however, I argue that this approach will not work because it engenders too many legal, cultural and logistical concerns and that, at least for the near future, we should treat ovarian tissue like gametes.