At least four features of IVF face scrutiny and possible restriction in the face of growing embryo protection regulation – embryo discard, embryo cryopreservation, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and selective reduction of multiple pregnancy. While selective reduction is vanishingly rare, the other three are routinely performed in IVF cycles. Patients direct discard of their embryos for a variety of reasons, including the
discovery of genetic anomalies via PGT, or the completion of their family from prior successful cycles. Since restrictive abortion laws require a nexus between the destruction of “unborn life” and some threat to the pregnant woman’s life or health, embryo destruction done to avoid birth of an unhealthy child or to manage the size of one’s family would not meet these narrow exceptions. Currently, routine IVF embryo discard is shielded from capture in abortion regulation by the laws’ focus on
The Impact of Dobbs on Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Does It Matter Where Life Begins? - Bill of Health