The general ethical considerations concerning the cryopreservation and ulti
mate fate of human embryos produced during IVF treatments are discussed. Th
e discussion is centred around two general questions: who should decide and
what should be done with the embryos? Special attention is given to the ne
cessity of consent of both intended parents and to the practical solutions
in case of disagreement. This problem is linked to the question of the vali
dity and revocability of the prior agreement or contract signed by the inte
nded parents concerning the ultimate fate of these embryos.