Perspectives on Spare Embryos amongst IVF users: An Exploratory Study from a Selected District of the Southern Indian State of Karnataka.

Perspectives of IVF users on their spare embryos is a less explored subject in the Indian context despite the country's population and abundance of IVF clinics. We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews in a selected district of the Indian state of Karnataka. Seven individuals were recruited independently of any assistance from an IVF clinic. The interviews explored participants' knowledge and perception of the spare embryos using a set of guiding questions exploring the theme of the informed consent process, views on research, preferences for embryo donation, the role of family and the dynamics of decision-making, amongst other things. The interviews were qualitatively analysed using Corbin and Strauss's grounded theory approach. Our findings reveal that the participants do not learn about the prospects of spare embryos from the very start of their IVF journeys, and they may not be informed about the various options available to decide the fate of the spare embryos. Irrespective of their views on research and moral perceptions of embryos, participants expressed a sense of responsibility and ownership towards their embryos and a general reluctance to donate them. Our findings have implications for guiding future inquiries on this subject, which can better the informed consent process and unravel the role of ownership in the ethics of spare embryos in the Indian context.

Saviour siblings in India: A reminder of our existing challenges and biases.

Saviour babies or saviour siblings are conceived specifically to be sources of biological materials - ranging from cord blood, stem cells or even organs - to save another child, usually an older sibling, who is suffering from a disease like thalassemia that can be cured with this biological material. In 2020, the media reported about the birth of India's first saviour baby, in the state of Gujarat [1]. In January 2023, there was a report of the birth of another saviour baby, in the state of Maharashtra [2]. Ethical concerns relating to saviour siblings find a place in the western bioethics discourse. However, it is little discussed in the Indian context.

In the shoes of a person with Gynaecomastia.

In this narrative, I step into the shoes of someone who has lived with gynaecomastia - male breasts. Using the imaginary character of Aarav, I reflect on the themes of the stigma associated with body image, the courage to face it, and the role human relationships can play in fostering self-acceptance.

Authorship: Refusing what you know you don't deserve.

Scientific writing and publishing are significant for an early-career researcher (ECR). For entry into doctoral studies, new jobs, or promotion, publications are among the essential requisites any selection committee will look for. Unlike interpersonal skills such as team building or communication, academic outputs are easier to assess and quantify but producing them may not always be easy for an ECR.

The meaning of being acknowledged in a manuscript.

With a fresh degree in Biotechnology, I was keen on getting some work experience before deciding on further studies. I wrote emails to several leading researchers in the country. A few responded and one offered me an internship. After a brief interview, I was on board, working in her laboratory. It was an intense work environment, where focused and dedicated professionals spent much of their time in benchwork, designing and redesigning experiments proving hypotheses. As an intern, this was a first of its kind experience for me.