Classmates Responses Discussion
2 classmates responses, 250 words each with 2 references each.
one: The inability to have a child can be a true burden for some. Reproductive technologies have led to millions of births, easing the heartache of many who might otherwise have suffered from infertility(Stabile,1970).
There are several reproductive technologies which include fertility drugs, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, use of a surrogate mother, zygote intrafallopian transfer and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Although these technologies are all different from each other, they all raise certain ethical issues which should concern anyone considering them (Stabile,1970).
Ethical issues may come when there are health risks to women and children that are born because of reproductive technologies. Self-regulation guidelines have often been over looked leading to a discernible increase in multiple pregnancies and premature births. From an ethical perspective this type of issue merits ongoing attention.
A crucial issue in reproductive technologies is the safety of the embryos whether they are inside of a mother’s body or in a laboratory (McConchie, 1999). Human life begins at conception, all embryos should be treated with the utmost care.
References:
McConchie, D. (1999, July 17). An Ethical Perspective on Reproductive Technologies. Retrieved September 03, 2020, from https://cbhd.org/content/ethical-perspectives-reproductive-technologies
Morrison, E. E., & Furlong, E. (2019). Health care ethics: Critical issues for the 21st century (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers
Stabile, B. (1970, January 01). Ethical Issues in Regulating Reproductive Technologies. Retrieved September 03, 2020, from https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-319-31816-5_2401-1
Two: Reproductive matters have always been of great debate throughout history when many people hear the term reproduction that envisions the traditional union of a married couple procreating for the sole reason of generating a child. If that union was unsuccessful, life went on, and child-rearing was not meant to be. As technology and science excelled in the development of reproductive medicine, many individuals became unsettled. Today these procedures are helping many couples have children and contribute to their lives as loving parents. When these couples undertake these lengthy procedures and processes, they become the moral community for these children. Deciding to use technology-assisted reproduction to help you have a child is a big choice in your life. Knowing that you will not harm the child comes with the territory.
The future parents must enter this decision with an understanding that they are making a choice that creates a human being. The child has no stake in the decision. Our text states, “new human lives are at risk, and the children conceived are born and nonconsenting third parties who are completely vulnerable to the desires and decisions of the adults.” (Morrison & Furlong, 2019) The adults are morally and ethically responsible for the child’s health and welfare from conception until death.
One of the most massive ethical issues surrounding assisted reproductive therapy (ART) is the disparity in care for the masses. These procedures are lengthy and costly. As an example of one treatment, “the cost per live birth for autologous ART treatment cycles in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom ranged from approximately USD 33,000 to 41,000.” (Brezina & Zhao, 2012) With all of the parents’ critical thought in these situations, the vast costs must be addressed so that they do not overspend and have nothing left for the child when they arrive. As parents, we will not harm our children, and this goes for being able to provide for a child that we discussed above has no choice in the matter.
References:
Brezina, P., & Zhao, Y. (2012, January 04). The Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues Impacted by
Modern Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Retrieved September 03, 2020, from
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ogi/2012/686253/
Morrison, E. E., & Furlong, E. (2019). Health care ethics: Critical issues for the 21st century.
Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
