ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates how the new in vitro fertilisation (IVF) methods can contribute to the propagation of infertility genes in the next generation and in which way this might affect our outlook on assisted human reproduction. There is increasing evidence that in a substantial percentage of affected couples genetic abnormalities cause or contribute to the fertility problem, which is particularly true for male factor infertility. The Situation in infertile men carrying a deleted in azoospermia microdeletion or any other kind of heritable disorder is particular insofar as the patient has a chance to act upon his reproductive decision only if massive support is granted from the medical system. For the physician who carries out the IVF treatment this may create a difficult situation in that on the one hand he wants to help the patient, on the other hand he is expected to guard against diseases in the patient’s offspring.
