Research Explorer

Your browser does not support JavaScript or JavaScript is not enabled. Without JavaScript some functions of this webapplication may be disabled or cause error messages. To enable JavaScript, please consult the manual of your browser or contact your system administrator.

Researcher

Heidi Mertes

Publications & Research Data

Awards & Distinctions

112 Results

2026

Risk management and the further use of gametes from a donor with a known pathogenic variant

Dorian AccoeGuido PenningsSandra JanssensHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS

Thinking Through Responsibilities in AI-Driven Healthcare

Brandon FerlitoHeidi MertesSeppe Segers

2025

Beheer van genetische risico’s bij behandelingen met donorsperma in België

Dorian AccoeGuido PenningsKelly TillemanFrauke Vanden MeerschautSandra JanssensHeidi Mertes

A2 Journal Article in TIJDSCHRIFT VOOR GENEESKUNDE

Data governance must consider the interests of the global community

Jon RuedaSebastian Porsdam MannJanet DelgadoBrian D. EarpKarin JongsmaHeidi MertesDavide BattistiÍñigo de Miguel BeriainGabriela LenarczykVera Lúcia Raposo et al.

A1 Journal Article in NATURE MEDICINE

De bereidheid van Belgische vrouwen om ontkernde eicellen te doneren om mitochondriale aandoeningen en onvruchtbaarheid te voorkomen

Guido PenningsBjörn HeindryckxDominic StoopHeidi Mertes

A2 Journal Article in TIJDSCHRIFT VOOR GENEESKUNDE

Disorders or neurodiversity : debating grounds for the restriction of gamete donors

Dorian AccoeGuido PenningsHeidi Mertes

Ethical considerations on surrogacy

Francoise ShenfieldBasil TarlatzisGuiliana BaccinoTheofano BounartziLucy FrithGuido PenningsVeerle ProvoostNathalie VermeulenHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in HUMAN REPRODUCTION

Genetic and reproductive strategies to prevent mitochondrial diseases

Noemi CastelluccioKatharina SpathDanyang LiIrenaeus F M De CooLyndsey ButterworthDagan WellsHeidi MertesJoanna PoultonBjörn Heindryckx

A1 Journal Article in HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE

On misempowerment & mobile health

Jesse GrayHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in MEDICINE HEALTH CARE AND PHILOSOPHY

The information, control, and value models of mobile health‐driven empowerment

Jesse GraySeppe SegersHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in BIOETHICS

Why dignity is a troubling concept for AI ethics

Jon RuedaTxetxu AusinMark CoeckelberghJuan Ignacio del ValleFrancisco LaraBelen LiedoJoan Llorca AlbaredaHeidi MertesRobert RanischVera Lucia Raposo et al.

Editorial material

2024

'Do I want children later in life?' : reproductive intentions of 1700 adolescents

Ilse DelbaereMichel De VosSara SomersMargherita CondorelliDavid PeningAnnick BogaertsHannelore VandepitteDominic StoopJoyce HarperHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CONTRACEPTION AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE

Age‐related hearing loss and 'hearables' : an agenda for moral considerations

Michiel De ProostSeppe SegersHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in BIOETHICS

Attitude of Belgian women towards enucleated egg donation for treatment of mitochondrial diseases and infertility

Guido PenningsBjörn HeindryckxDominic StoopHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE

Deconstructing self-fulfilling outcome measures in infertility treatment

Mayli MertensHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in BIOETHICS

ESHRE guideline : number of embryos to transfer during IVF/ICSI

[missing] ESHRE Guideline Group on the Number of Embryos to TransferAlessandra AlteriGemma ArroyoGiuliana BaccinoLaurentiu CraciunasChristian De GeyterThomas EbnerMartina KolevaKlaudija KordicSaria Mcheik et al.

A1 Journal Article in HUMAN REPRODUCTION

Ethical considerations on the moral status of the embryo and embryo-like structures

[missing] Writing Group of the ESHRE Ethics CommitteeGuido PenningsWybo DondorpMina PopovicSusana Chuva de Sousa LopesHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in HUMAN REPRODUCTION

Ethical issues related to cryopreserved reproductive specimen

Bookchapter in Cryopreservation in assisted reproduction

Fertility clinics have a duty of care towards patients who do not have children with treatment

Sofia GameiroDaniela LeoneHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in HUMAN REPRODUCTION

How to deal with uninformed and poorly informed opinions of citizens? A critical approach to online public engagement

Chloé MayeurHeidi MertesWannes Van Hoof

A2 Journal Article in CITIZEN SCIENCE : THEORY AND PRACTICE

Managing risks for genetic conditions in donor sperm treatment : current practices in Belgian fertility clinics

Dorian AccoeGuido PenningsKelly TillemanFrauke Vanden MeerschautSandra JanssensHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE

Modern ethical dilemmas in ART

Seppe SegersGuido PenningsHeidi Mertes

Bookchapter in Reference module in biomedical sciences

Rationalizing patients : clinical decision support systems, patient decision aids and patient autonomy

Jasper DebrabanderHeidi MertesTom GoffinMahsa Shabani

Responsibility gap(s) due to the introduction of AI in healthcare : an Ubuntu-inspired approach

Brandon FerlitoSeppe SegersMichiel De ProostHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS

Screening embryos for polygenic disease risk : a review of epidemiological, clinical, and ethical considerations

Antonio CapalboGuido de WertHeidi MertesLiraz KlausnerEdith CoonenFrancesca SpinellaHilde Van de VeldeStephane VivilleKaren SermonNathalie Vermeulen et al.

A1 Journal Article in HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE

Should we use expanded carrier screening in gamete donation?

Antonio CapalboJosep PlaSandra JanssensDorian AccoeGuido PenningsHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in FERTILITY AND STERILITY

The ethics of disclosing reported conditions in donor-conceived offspring to recipients of the same donor

Dorian AccoeGuido PenningsSandra JanssensFrauke Vanden MeerschautHeidi Mertes

The personalized patient preference predictor : a harmful and misleading solution losing sight of the problem it claims to solve

Editorial material

Towards an inclusive and culturally sensitive conceptualisation of sexual well-being of young people : preliminary framework development using a modified Delphi methodology

Lore RemmerieGuncha AnnageldiyevaKayleigh GrossmanCaesar Kaba KogozigaNicole LeonettiAna MosiashviliShreya ShresthaTisungane SitimaEvi StuckensMichael Tetteh Doku et al.

A1 Journal Article in SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH MATTERS

2023

Do adolescents want children in later life and why (not)?

Ilse DelbaereMichel De VosSara SomersMargherita CondorelliDavid PeningMarijke MerckxAnnick BogaertsHannelore VandepitteDominic StoopJoyce Harper et al.

Do genomic passports leave us more vulnerable or less vulnerable? Perspectives from an online citizen engagement

Chloé MayeurHeidi MertesWannes Van Hoof

A1 Journal Article in HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES COMMUNICATIONS

Stimulating fertility awareness : the importance of getting the language right

Heidi MertesJ HarperJ BoivinM Ekstrand RagnarB GraceM Moura-RamosS Rautakallio-HokkanenM SimopoulouK Hammarberg[missing] the International Reproductive Health Education Collaboration

A1 Journal Article in HUMAN REPRODUCTION OPEN

2022

Assessing the normative significance of desire satisfaction

Seppe SegersGuido PenningsHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in METAPHILOSOPHY

Enthusiasm, concern and ambivalence in the Belgian public’s attitude towards in-vitro gametogenesis

Heidi MertesTina GoethalsSeppe SegersMarie HuysentruytGuido PenningsVeerle Provoost

A2 Journal Article in REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE & SOCIETY ONLINE

Ethical considerations of fertility preservation

Heidi MertesGuido Pennings

Bookchapter in Female and male fertility preservation

The curious case of 'trust' in the light of changing doctor-patient relationships

Seppe SegersHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in BIOETHICS

Watson, autonomy and value flexibility : revisiting the debate

Jasper DebrabanderHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS

2021

A qualitative study among patients with an inherited retinal disease on the meaning of genomic unsolicited findings

Marlies SaelaertHeidi MertesTania MoerenhoutCaroline Van CauwenberghBart LeroyIgnaas DevischElfride De Baere

A1 Journal Article in SCIENTIFIC REPORTS

An ethical exploration of pregnancy related mHealth : does it deliver?

Seppe SegersHeidi MertesGuido Pennings

A1 Journal Article in MEDICINE HEALTH CARE AND PHILOSOPHY

2020

Between innovation and precaution : how did offspring safety considerations play a role in strategies of introducing new reproductive techniques?

V. JansW. DondorpS. MastenbroekHeidi MertesGuido PenningsH. SmeetsG. de Wert

A1 Journal Article in HUMAN REPRODUCTION OPEN

Bioethics in human reproduction (human reproductive genetics)

Heidi MertesGuido Pennings

Bookchapter in Human reproductive genetics

Disclosing incidental and secondary findings in clinical genomics : professional practice, patient experience and ethical reflection

Marlies SaelaertIgnaas DevischHeidi MertesElfride De Baere

Does human genome editing reinforce or violate human dignity?

Seppe SegersHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in BIOETHICS

Ethical values supporting the disclosure of incidental and secondary findings in clinical genomic testing : a qualitative study

Marlies SaelaertHeidi MertesTania MoerenhoutElfride De BaereIgnaas Devisch

A1 Journal Article in BMC MEDICAL ETHICS

Follow-up in the field of reproductive medicine : an ethical exploration

Verna JansWybo DondorpMaryse BonduelleChristine de DieHeidi MertesGuido PenningsGuido de Wert

A1 Journal Article in REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE

Reporting, recording, and communication of COVID-19 cases in workplace : data protection as a moving target

Mahsa ShabaniTom GoffinHeidi Mertes

Editorial material

Reproductive Endocrinology Infertility (REI) : specialists' utilization and attitudes toward Expanded Carrier Screening (ECS) for third-party oocyte donors

Tanya L. GlennNigel PereiraJody MadeiraRose A. MaxwellJ. Preston ParryHeidi MertesGuido PenningsSteven R. Lindheim

A2 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY OF INDIA

The ethics of ectogenesis‐aided foetal treatment

Seppe SegersGuido PenningsHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in BIOETHICS

2019

Criteria for reporting incidental findings in clinical exome sequencing : a focus group study on professional practices and perspectives in Belgian genetic centres

Marlies SaelaertHeidi MertesTania MoerenhoutElfride De BaereIgnaas Devisch

A1 Journal Article in BMC MEDICAL GENOMICS

Criteria for reporting incidental findings in clinical whole exome sequencing : professional practice and perspective in Belgian genetic centres

Marlies SaelaertHeidi MertesElfride De BaereIgnaas Devisch

Expanded preconception carrier screening in clinical practice : review of technology, guidelines, implementation challenges, and ethical quandaries

Ting ZhangJody MadeiraYao LuYun SunHeidi MertesGuido PenningsSteven R. Lindheim

A1 Journal Article in CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

Getting what you desire : the normative significance of genetic relatedness in parent-child relationships

Seppe SegersGuido PenningsHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in MEDICINE HEALTH CARE AND PHILOSOPHY

In vitro gametogenesis : an inquiry into the main ethical concerns and why they matter

Seppe SegersHeidi MertesGuido Pennings

In vitro gametogenesis and reproductive cloning : can we allow one while banning the other?

Seppe SegersGuido PenningsWybo DondorpGuido de WertHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in BIOETHICS

In vitro gametogenesis and the creation of ‘designer babies’

Seppe SegersGuido PenningsWybo DondorpGuido de WertHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in CAMBRIDGE QUARTERLY OF HEALTHCARE ETHICS

The Belgian experience : cultural and political facotrs shaping preimplantation genetic diagnosis during in vitro fertilization

Guido PenningsHeidi Mertes

Bookchapter in Human embryos and preimplantation genetic technologies : ethical, social, and public policy aspects

2018

Balancing animal welfare and assisted reproduction : ethics of preclinical animal research for testing new reproductive technologies

Verna JansWybo DondorpEllen GoossensHeidi MertesGuido PenningsGuido de Wert

A1 Journal Article in MEDICINE HEALTH CARE AND PHILOSOPHY

Ethical quandaries around expanded carrier screening in third-party reproduction

Heidi MertesSteven R. LindheimGuido Pennings

A1 Journal Article in FERTILITY AND STERILITY

Human in vitro spermatogenesis from pluripotent stem cells : in need of a stepwise differentiation protocol?

C RombautHeidi MertesBjörn HeindryckxE Goossens

A1 Journal Article in MOLECULAR HUMAN REPRODUCTION

Incidental or secondary findings : a dual bottom-up approach to the terminological debate

Marlies SaelaertHeidi MertesElfride De BaereIgnaas Devisch

Incidental or secondary findings : a patient perspective on additional genetic results

Marlies SaelaertHeidi MertesElfride De BaereIgnaas Devisch

Incidental or secondary findings : an integrative and patient-inclusive approach to the current debate

Marlies SaelaertHeidi MertesElfride De BaereIgnaas Devisch

A1 Journal Article in EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS

Incidental or secondary findings in genetics : stairways to a life of certainty?

Marlies SaelaertHeidi MertesElfride De BaereIgnaas Devisch

Modern ethical dilemmas in ART

Guido PenningsSeppe SegersHeidi Mertes

Bookchapter in Encyclopedia of reproduction

Of mice and human embryos : is there an ethically preferred order of preclinical research on new assisted reproductive technologies?

Verna JansWybo DondorpEllen GoossensHeidi MertesGuido PenningsHubert SmeetsGuido de Wert

A1 Journal Article in HUMAN REPRODUCTION

Onderzoek op menselijke embryo’s in België : een overzicht

Guido PenningsSeppe SegersSophie DebrockBjörn HeindryckxVelichka Kontozova-DeutschUsha PunjabiHilde vande VeldeAndré van SteirteghemHeidi Mertes

A2 Journal Article in TIJDSCHRIFT VOOR GENEESKUNDE

Recent developments in genetics and medically assisted reproduction : from research to clinical applications

J. C. HarperK. AittomäkiP. BorryM. C. CornelG. de WertW. DondorpJ. GeraedtsL. GianaroliK. KettersonI. Liebaers et al.

A1 Journal Article in EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS

Stem cell derived gametes and uterus transplants : hurray for the end of third party reproduction! Or not?

Bookchapter in Personalised medicine, individual choice and the common good

The role of the reprogramming method and pluripotency state in gamete differentiation from patient-specific human pluripotent stem cells

Swati MishraE KacinPanagiotis StamatiadisS FranckMargot Van der JeughtHeidi MertesGuido PenningsPetra De SutterK SermonBjörn Heindryckx et al.

A1 Journal Article in MOLECULAR HUMAN REPRODUCTION

UTx with deceased donors also places risks and burdens on third parties

Heidi MertesKristof Van Assche

Editorial material

2017

Balancing ethical pros and cons of stem cell derived gametes

Seppe SegersHeidi MertesGuido de WertWybo DondorpGuido Pennings

A1 Journal Article in ANNALS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING

Egg banking in anticipation of age-related fertility decline : using medical technology for better, not for worse

Heidi MertesGuido Pennings

Ethical aspects of AGE banking

Bookchapter in Preventing age related fertility loss

Ethical reflections on stem cell-derived gametes

Seppe SegersGuido PenningsHeidi Mertes

A2 Journal Article in MEDECINE THERAPEUTIQUE

Human embryo research in Belgium : an overview

Guido PenningsSeppe SegersSophie DebrockBjörn HeindryckxVelichka Kontozova-DeutschUsha PunjabiHilde vande VeldeAndré van SteirteghemHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in FERTILITY AND STERILITY

Incidental findings : inherent part of patients’ identity or unwillingly imposed digitalization?

Marlies SaelaertHeidi MertesElfride De BaereIgnaas Devisch

Recent developments in genetics and medically-assisted reproduction : from research to clinical applications

J. C. HarperK. AittomäkiP. BorryM. C. CornelG. de WertW. DondorpJ. GeraedtsL. GianaroliK. KettersonI. Liebaers et al.

A1 Journal Article in HUMAN REPRODUCTION OPEN

Stem cell derived gametes : a slippery slope towards designer babies?

Seppe SegersHeidi MertesGuido Pennings

The role of anticipated decision regret and the patient's best interest in sterilisation and medically assisted reproduction

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS

Using stem cell-derived gametes for same-sex reproduction : an alternative scenario

Seppe SegersHeidi MertesGuido PenningsGuido de WertWybo Dondorp

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS

2016

Incidental findings : an opportunity for autonomy or a case of hidden heteronomy?

Marlies SaelaertHeidi MertesElfride De BaereIgnaas Devisch

2015

Corporate giants provide fertility benefits: have they got it wrong?

M ZollHeidi MertesJ Gupta

Editorial material

Does company-sponsored egg freezing promote or confine women's reproductive autonomy?

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS

Ethical aspects of genetic screening of gamete donors

Guido PenningsHeidi Mertes

Bookchapter in Medically assisted reproduction : towards a common European legislation?

Let's not forget that many prepubertal girls do have other options besides ovarian tissue cryopreservation

Editorial material

Modification of the embryo's genome: more useful in research than in the clinic

Heidi MertesGuido Pennings

Editorial material

The diversity of genetic perfection

Heidi MertesKristien Hens

Editorial material

2014

A moratorium on breeding better babies

Editorial material

Gamete derivation from stem cells: revisiting the concept of genetic parenthood

A1 Journal Article in JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS

2013

Gamete generation from stem cells to avoid gamete donation and customized hESCs from blastomeres as the cellular insurance for the newborn: will it ever be ethically acceptable?

Heidi MertesGuido Pennings

Bookchapter in Stem cells in reproductive medicine : basic science and therapeutic potential

Testicular tissue cryopreservation : combining access with safeguards

Heidi MertesGuido Pennings

Editorial material

The portrayal of healthy women requesting oocyte cryopreservation

A2 Journal Article in FACTS, VIEWS & VISION IN OBGYN

2012

Elective oocyte cryopreservation: who should pay?

Heidi MertesGuido Pennings

A1 Journal Article in HUMAN REPRODUCTION

Ethical issues in infertility treatment

Guido PenningsHeidi Mertes

A1 Journal Article in BEST PRACTICE & RESEARCH CLINICAL OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY

Financial compensations for oocyte donors: soon to be a debate of the past?

Heidi MertesGuido PenningsWybo DondorpGuido de Wert

Implications of oocyte cryostorage for the practice of oocyte donation

Heidi MertesGuido PenningsWybo DondorpGuido de Wert

A1 Journal Article in HUMAN REPRODUCTION

Understanding the ethical concerns that have shaped European regulation of human embryonic stem cell research

A2 Journal Article in PROCEEDINGS OF THE BELGIAN ROYAL ACADEMIES OF MEDICINE

2011

Ethical concerns eliminated: safer stimulation protocols and egg banking

Heidi MertesGuido Pennings

Editorial material

Social egg freezing: for better, not for worse

Heidi MertesGuido Pennings

A1 Journal Article in REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE

The force of dissimilar analogies in bioethics

Heidi MertesGuido Pennings

A1 Journal Article in THEORETICAL MEDICINE AND BIOETHICS

2010

Ethical aspects of the use of stem cell derived gametes for reproduction

Heidi MertesGuido Pennings

A1 Journal Article in HEALTH CARE ANALYSIS

Preserving and restoring fertility: current techniques and prospects for the future

The state and the infertile patient looking for treatment abroad: a difficult relationship

Guido PenningsHeidi Mertes

Bookchapter in Consumer medicine

2009

Cross-border research on human embryonic stem cells: legal and ethical considerations

Heidi MertesGuido Pennings

A1 Journal Article in Stem Cell Reviews and Reports

Gamete generation from stem cells: An ethicist’s view

Heidi MertesGuido Pennings

Bookchapter in Stem cells in reproductive medicine: basic science and therapeutic potential

Stem cell research policies: Who's afraid of complicity?

Heidi MertesGuido Pennings

A1 Journal Article in Reproductive BioMedicine Online

The interaction between ethical and scientific arguments in the debate concerning stem cell research

Heidi MertesGuido Pennings

2008

Eiceldonatie voor stamcelonderzoek : schuilt er kwaad in de vergoeding?

Heidi MertesGuido Pennings

A2 Journal Article in ETHIEK EN MAATSCHAPPIJ

Embryonic stem cell-derived gametes and genetic parenthood: A problematic relationship

Heidi MertesGuido Pennings

A1 Journal Article in CAMBRIDGE QUARTERLY OF HEALTHCARE ETHICS

2007

Oocyte donation for stem cell research

Heidi MertesGuido Pennings

A1 Journal Article in HUMAN REPRODUCTION

Op zoek naar 'ethische' embryonale stamcellen

Heidi MertesGuido PenningsA VAN STEIRTEGHEM

A2 Journal Article in TIJDSCHRIFT VOOR GENEESKUNDE

2006

An ethical analysis of alternative methods to obtain pluripotent stem cells without destroying embryos

Heidi MertesGuido PenningsA VAN STEIRTEGHEM

A1 Journal Article in HUMAN REPRODUCTION