Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2008 Mar;51(3):286-289.

Moral status of preimplantation embryos

• Seo K

Abstract

here have been continuing challenges to devaluate the moral status of early embryo. The preembryo-embryo distinction was mainly based on the lack of individuation. The term of preembryo was introduced by a frog embryologist and then was literally spread around the world because of policy reasons. The term "preembryo" has not yet been used in most medical textbooks including textbooks of human embryology. Preembryo is one period of continuum during human development and therefore should be regarded as valuable as an early form of human life. Preimplantation embryo is more accurate term for the early embryo.

Keyword

Preembryo; Preimplantation embryo

MeSH Terms

Blastocyst
Embryonic Structures
Human Development
Humans
Individuation