ABSTRACT
The variety of options with regard to the fate of cryopreserved human embryos, especially in consideration of fatal incidents and accidents happening to their genetic parents, have led to ethical and legal disputes inflaming social issues surrounding supernumerary in vitro fertilisation (IVF) embryos. To prevent disputes over frozen embryos, it has been suggested that IVF-partners should form a consensus prior to their undergoing IVF procedures. The scientific knowledge underlying contemporary reproductive technology presents a Janus-face towards both biological and traditional social views of the family. This scientific knowledge both supports and challenges these two differing views of social structure and ways of life, including family as well as other sub-groups. Even if, however, the organisational structures of a given society are not affected by certain decisions about the fate of supernumerary human embryos, it recognises a duty to take care of the interests and well-being of its actual and future children.
