Thumbs down to Monsters, Inc.

• Author: Grifo, James A.
• Position: Letters - Letter to the Editor

In Shannon Brownlee's article "Designer Babies" (March 2002), we are given the impression that extensive research was done to explore the most important issues affecting fertility and biotechnology today. In fact, the article includes numerous suppositions and makes inferences that miss the mark because of inaccuracies, misunderstood information, and a lack of research. Consider, for example, the "clinic doctor" who has no idea how many embryos to transfer. In reality, recommendations for embryo transfer have been made by a number of well-respected professional organizations including both the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. In addition, the insinuation that scientific development in the field of fertility research can only be accomplished through the work of "high-caliber, federally funded embryologists" is not only false but is an insult to those who work tirelessly to provide the best outcomes for patients. Although the federal government has banned all funding for embryo research, and has turned its back on this vital public issue, the fertility industry has made great scientific strides. While its reproductive endocrinologists are board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the fertility clinics themselves are licensed by the federal Health Care Financing Administration and College of American Pathologists as well as by state health departments. Medical standards protocols are provided by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, and by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. These organizations make recommendations and guidelines on important issues such...