I think that's an excellent question, and Dr. Nisker and a number of his colleagues at the University of Western Ontario have in fact done a study. I referenced that. It's reference 14. It was published this year, in 2006. It involves a scenario whereby, in conjunction with their research group, they sent questionnaires out and letters explaining that this was a research project. They wanted to know if these people were still willing to have the embryos they had previously said could be used for research purposes.... I don't have all the numbers in my head for you, but what I can say is that 55% of those who responded said, “Yes, we really stand by the consent that we've given you, and it's fine, go ahead, use those embryos for research.” Forty-five percent said, “No, we've changed our mind. We don't want you to do that.”
So does it require an effort on the part of the clinic? Absolutely. Is it important in terms of making sure that people are not subtly, and I do mean subtly, coerced into saying yes? I think that's important, because IVF is a very emotional endeavour for people who participate. In that context, it's clear that there is lots of documentation about the psychology of this. People are trying to please their clinicians. They are dependent on their clinicians for access to treatment, and they do say yes when, with sober reflection or no longer being in the program, at least 45% are willing to change their mind.