This book results from a study by a committee of the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council's Board on Agriculture. The committee examined the scientific foundations of medically assisted conception and developed an agenda for basic research in reproductive and developmental biology that would contribute to advances in the clinical and agricultural practice of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. The volume also discusses some barriers to progress in research and ways of lowering them, and explains the scientific issues important to ethical decision making.

Contents

• INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE: NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL: BOARD ON AGRICULTURE: COMMITTEE ON THE BASIC SCIENCE FOUNDATIONS OF MEDICALLY ASSISTED CONCEPTION
• Acknowledgements
• Preface
• Summary
• Chapter 1. In Vitro Fertilization And Embryo Transfer And Social Concerns
  • Infertility
  • Contraception
  • Agriculture
  • Biodiversity
  • Primates For Research
  • References
• Chapter 2. Advances In The Practice And Science Base Of Medical, Assisted Conception
  • Developments In Human In Vitro Fertilization
  • Developments In Assisted Conception In Food-Producing Animals
  • Gametogenesis And Gametes
  • Fertilization
  • Preimplantation Development
  • Implantation
• Chapter 3. Barriers To Progress In In Vitro Fertilization And Embryo Transfer
  • Ethical And Social Issues
  • Other Barriers To Scientific Progress
  • References
• Chapter 4. Research Agenda And Recommendations
  • Research Agenda
  • Conclusions And Recommendations
• Appendix A Committee On Basic Science Foundations Of Medically Assisted Conception

NOTICE: The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The members of the committee responsible for the report were chosen for their special competencies and with regard for appropriate balance. This report has been reviewed by a group other than the authors according to procedures approved by a Report Review Committee consisting of members of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine.

The Institute of Medicine was chartered in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences to enlist distinguished members of the appropriate professions in the examination of policy matters pertaining to the health of the public. In this, the Institute acts under both the Academy's 1863 congressional charter responsibility to be an advisor to the federal government and its own initiative in identifying issues of medical care, research, and education.

The National Research Council was organized by the National Academy of Sciences in 1916 to associate the broad community of science and technology with the Academy's purposes of furthering knowledge and advising the federal government. Functioning in accordance with general policies determined by the Academy, the Council has become the principal operating agency of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering in providing services to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The Council is administered jointly by both Academies and the Institute of Medicine.