Ethical Implementation of Machine Learning Tools for Embryo Assessment
Ethical Implementation of Machine Learning Tools for Embryo Assessment
Innovation in assisted reproductive technology (ART) is crucial for advancing treatment, improving success rates, and responding appropriately to patient needs. Machine-learning (ML) tools - a form of artificial intelligence (AI) - for embryo assessment are one such innovation.
In Australia, some clinics have started using ML tools to aid embryo selection. As more clinics begin to adopt the use of ML tools, guidance is needed to ensure the clinical implementation of this technology proceeds in a way that is ethically informed, optimally balances the interests of relevant stakeholders, and is consistent with maintaining public trust in the quality and safety of the ART industry in Australia.
Our project analysed the social, ethical, and regulatory aspects of ML embryo assessment to develop evidence-based recommendations for the ethical implementation and use of ML tools for embryo assessment. This project combined ethical analysis with informative and deliberative empirical research with key ART stakeholders.
This research was funded in part by Ferring Pharmaceuticals, under the Ferring Australia Human Reproduction Research Grant Scheme (2022)
Project Outputs
2024 Reports
Johnston, M., Koplin, J., Mills, C., Whittaker, A., Webb, ANS. (2024). Recommendations for the ethical implementation of machine learning tools for embryo assessment in Australian ART clinics. Monash University. Report. https://doi.org/10.26180/27625860.v1
2024 Journal Articles
Koplin, JJ., Johnston, M., Webb, ANS., Whittaker, A., Mills, C. “Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Embryo Assessment: Mapping the Terrain” Human Reproduction (under review)
Webb, ANS., Johnston, M., Whittaker, A., Mills, C. “Two Sides of the Same Algorithm: ART Professionals’ and Patients’ Views on the use of AI for Embryo Assessment in Australia (in development)
2024 Presentations
Johnston, M., Webb, ANS., Whittaker, A., Mills, C. Recommendations for the Ethical Implementation of Machine Learning Tools for Embryo Assessment. Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand Conference.
Johnston, M. Ethical and Empirical Considerations Regarding the Use of Machine Learning Tools in ART Clinics. No. 1 Fertility Embryologist Education Day.
Mills, C. Artificial Intelligence for Embryo Selection: Ethical, Social, and Regulatory Issues. SIRT Annual Conference.
2023 Presentations
Webb, ANS., Johnston, M., Koplin, JJ., Whittaker, A., Mills, C. “Two Sides of the Same Algorithm: ART Professionals’ and Patients’ Views on the Use of AI for Embryo Assessment in Australia. Australasian Association of Bioethics and Health Law Conference.
Mills, C., Johnston, M., Koplin, JJ., Whittaker, A. Algorithmic Babies: The Ethics of Machine Learning for Embryo Selection. Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand Conference.
Mills, C., Johnston, M., Koplin, JJ. Artificial Intelligence for Embryo Selection: Ethical, Social, and Regulatory Issues. European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology Conference.