Methoden der künstlichen Befruchtung: 'Dreierregel' versus 'Single Embryo Transfer'

In Germany, the "rule of three" is practised as a method of artificial insemination. Three eggs are fertilised "in vitro" and all the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus. This method is permissible according to the Embryo Protection Act and is valid medical professional law. The study examines whether a new method of assisted reproduction - the so-called "single embryo transfer" - can be brought into line with the Embryo Protection Act. Six oocytes are fertilised and only the "best" embryo is transferred to the mother. The legal admissibility of "single embryo transfer" is the subject of controversial debate among legal experts in Germany. After a legal analysis of the current legal situation by the author, the applicability of the "Single Embryo Transfer" is rejected and a legal reform of the Embryo Protection Act is proposed. The work concludes with a look at the methods of artificial insemination and legal systems in seven European countries (Switzerland, Italy, Spain, England, Sweden, Austria, Czech Republic) and attempts to draw conclusions for future German regulation.