The Ethics of Fertility Preservation for Pediatric Patients With Differences (Disorders) of Sex Development

Differences (disorders) of sex development are diverse conditions with variations in chromosomal, gonadal, and/or genital development. Fertility potential in this population is variable. Recent investigations into fertility potential in those previously thought to be infertile suggest that the majority may have fertility potential through experimental protocols. Fertility preservation may be more successful if pursued in childhood. As fertility research and techniques advance, it is important to carefully consider pediatric ethical issues specific to this population, including gonadectomy, consent/assent, experimental treatment and false hope, cost and insurance coverage, genetic transmission to offspring, and gender dysphoria.

Journal of the Endocrine Society. 2017 Jun 01 [Epub]

Lisa Campo-Engelstein, Diane Chen, Arlene B Baratz, Emilie K Johnson, Courtney Finlayson

Alden March Bioethics Institute, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York 12208., Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60611., Division of Breast Imaging, West Penn Allegheny Health System, Temple University School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212., Division of Urology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60611., Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60611.