ABSTRACT
The fate of supernumerary embryos is largely discussed in ethical, political or juridical circles, mainly because the status that will be given to the human embryo in vitro will greatly influence many fields of human reproduction including access to abortion. It is thus not surprising that very few of these debates are focused on those primarily concerned, namely the infertile couples who decided to enter in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment and thus are really confronted with this problematic. Two hundred couples were interviewed on their views on supernumerary embryos during the psychological consultation before entering IVF treatment. They were also asked to give their opinion on the other reproductive choices, and about the status of the in vitro embryo. The recent authoritarian decision by the UK legislature to destroy embryos highlights the passionate debate on spare embryos left frozen after IVF treatment.
