LABORATORY TECHNIQUES IN THE ROPA METHOD: CONTRIBUTIONS OF BIOMEDICINE TO ASSISTED REPRODUCTION

Abstract

The ROPA Method (Reception of Oocytes from Partner) emerges as an innovative alternative in the field of assisted reproduction, specifically developed to meet the needs of female same-sex couples who wish to share the biological experience of motherhood. This technique, recently regulated in Brazil by Resolution CFM nº 2.294/2021allows one partner to donate the oocytes while the other carries the embryo, promoting joint participation in the reproductive process. However, the effectiveness of this method critically depends on the precise application of specialized laboratory techniques and the qualified performance of professionals, particularly biomedical scientists. Given this context, the present study sought to answer the following research problem: Which laboratory techniques are essential for the success of the ROPA method and how can the role of the biomedical scientist optimize this process? The justification for this investigation is based on the growing demand for inclusive assisted reproduction techniques and the need for standardized protocols that ensure safety and efficacy, in addition to the scarce national literature associating the role of biomedicine with the particularities of the ROPA method. To this end, a systematic bibliographic review of a qualitative and descriptive nature was conducted, searching specialized databases for publications between 2015 and 2025. The results demonstrate that oocyte cryopreservation by vitrification, in vitro fertilization with ICSI, and advanced embryo selection methods, such as morphokinetic analysis and PGT-A, are fundamental procedures for the effectiveness of ROPA. The role of the biomedical scientist proved to be indispensable in all stages, from gamete handling to embryo transfer, requiring not only technical competence but also sensitivity to ethical and emotional aspects inherent to these cases. It is concluded that the adequate integration of laboratory techniques with the specialized performance of the biomedical scientist can significantly increase the success rates of the method, establishing it as a safe, effective, and inclusive alternative for female same-sex couples in the Brazilian context.