Each of these disposition options has both moral and emotional implications for the patient confronting this decision. Preembryos may have a less ambiguous moral significance than embryos since until the embryonic disc forms, the cells of the preembryo are actually totepotent, that is to say, able to develop into any type of cell found in the body. It is not until the formation of the embryonic disc that the embryo is committed to forming a single being. At this point, twinning is no longer possible and cell differentiation begins. There are three main views on the status of the preembryo.
Some people believe that preembryos are persons from the moment of conception.
Those who hold this belief generally oppose embryo destruction, as well as research on preembryos that will lead to preembryo destruction. Some forms of preembryo research, however, may be acceptable to those holding this view, if the research is to be used for the benefit of the embryo itself in a final attempt to save its life and in the absence of other reliable forms of therapy. Many who hold this belief specify that any research be done prior to the appearance of the primitive streak. Your choice as to what you wish to do with your extra cryopreserved preembryos may well depend on your view of when life begins. Let's take a look at each option.