Question:
What are some of the moral and ethical dilemmas associated with IVF?
Ethical and Moral Issues Related to In Vitro Fertilization
The use of assistive reproductive technologies is more than just a question of medical treatment and conception. There are also ethical and moral dilemmas that can be a part of this process, which can include, but are not limited to:
- Fate of any stored embryos should a couple divorce - is the embryo property or a person. Who can claim the embryo or determine if it is to be destroyed or kept in frozen stasis?
- Rights of the sperm or egg donor - some States laws include that donors have no parental rights, however this is not as clearly delineated in other States.
- Destruction of residual embryos - are we, in fact, murdering children? Some religious beliefs feel that we are taking the life of a child, rather than a potential being.
- Selective reduction in the event of multiple successful implants - selective abortion of a fetus or more than one fetus, to promote a more successful outcome for the remaining fetuses, is viewed the same as the destruction of residual embryos. Some believe that a child begins at conception rather than at birth.
- Religious morality regarding the use of assistive reproductive technologies (ART)- the Catholic tenets specifically restrict the use of ART such as IVF. The Donum Vitae states that intrusion of someone other than a man and his spouse in the making of a child is immoral, which rules out donor sperm and eggs, and fertility treatments to promote conception.
Infertility Frequently Asked Questions
Why would someone want to get a vasectomy?
Why did my wife get pregnant after my vasectomy?
What are the risks of getting a vasectomy?
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What causes problems with sperm transport?
Why would stress contribute to infertility?
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Why do I feel inadequate because I have fertility problems?
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What are some external causes of infertility?
How do hormones impact infertility?
What is involved with surrogacy?
What is In Vitro Fertilization and what is involved with the process?
What are "fertility drugs" and what do they do?
How would one go about Egg Donation?
What is In Utero Fertilization and how is it done?
What are some alternative therapies for treating infertility?
What can be done to treat infertility caused by structural problems?
Are there surgical options available to treat my infertility?
What exactly is a fertility clinic?
What things should I consider when thinking about infertility treatment?
What is involved in sperm donation?
What is a Reproductive Endocrinologist?
Why does someone choose tubal ligation?
What is post tubal ligation syndrome?
How is a tubal ligation performed?
What should I consider when thinking about a tubal reversal?
What alteratives do I have besides tubal ligation for long-term birth control?
What are the risks of having a tubal and a tubal reversal?
What are the risks related to tubal ligation reversal?
Why might someone get pregnant after a tubal ligation?
What is the origin of Artificial Insemination?
How is donor sperm used in artificial insemination?
When would a surrogate be used with artificial insemination?
What are the laws governing sperm and egg donation?
What are the risks in artificial insemination?
What are my chances of success using artificial insemination?
What is "artificial insemination?"
What is the process for becoming a sperm donor?
How do I go about getting IVF insurance?
Can I use personal loans to pay for IVF?
What are third party loans in terms of financing IVF?
What is "shared risk" in terms of IVF?
Are public funds used for IVF financing?
What is the role of Medical Counseling in fertility treatment?
How can a Financial Counselor help with fertility treatment?
What kinds of infertility counseling are available?
How does Psychological Counseling help during fertility treatment?
How does one go about choosing an Infertility Center?
Where can I get information and about infertility?
How do I go about finding a Fertility Specialist?
Where can I get more information about infertility?
What are the legal ramifications of egg donation?
What are the risks and potential complications of egg donation?
What role do fertility drugs play in egg donation?
What role does egg donation play in in vitro fertilization?
What is process for being a donated egg recipient?
What should I look for in an Egg Donation Center?
What is the process of egg donation?
What are the potential risks and complications of IVF?
What is in vitro fertilization?
What are the alternatives to using IVF?
What are the steps involved with in vitro fertilization?
When would IVF be used to treat infertility?
How much does in vitro fertilization cost?
What kinds of fertility drugs are used during IVF?
What are some of the moral and ethical dilemmas associated with IVF?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Mary White |
