Abstract

SANTOS, Maria de Fátima Oliveira dos. Intracytoplasmatic sperm injection: ethical and legal questions. Rev. Bras. Saude Mater. Infant. [online]. 2010, vol.10, suppl.2, pp. s289-s296. ISSN 1519-3829.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1519-38292010000600005.

This article focuses on the in vitro fertilization technique that uses intracytoplasmatic sperm injection and addresses both the technical and ethical and legal aspects of this. This technique differs from others as it involves the injection of a single live sperm into the cytoplasm of the oocyte and is one of the principal alternative treatments for male infertility, mainly for couples where the man has a significantly reduced sperm-count or sperm-mobility. It is worth pointing out that rapid advances are being made in assisted reproduction and this has given rise to controversial issues relating to the beginning of embryonic life and genetic manipulation. It is thus important to reflect on this subject and consider where ethical boundaries lie. There is therefore urgent need for regulation in this area, despite the advances already achieved by the new Civil Code and Biosafety Law.

Keywords : Sperm injections, intracytoplasmic; Fertilization in vitro; Reproductive techniques, assisted; Reproductive techniques.