Ethical Challenges of New Reproductive Technologies - PDF

Batangas State University - The National Engineering University College of Health Sciences Ethical Challenges of the New Reproductive Ms. Edd Jodi A. Bejer, RND  HIGHLIGHTS 1. Basis for developing an ethical position 2. Proposed Ethical Standards 3. Donors and the Ethical Ethos BASIS FOR DEVE...

Batangas State University - The National Engineering University College of Health Sciences Ethical Challenges of the New Reproductive Ms. Edd Jodi A. Bejer, RND  HIGHLIGHTS 1. Basis for developing an ethical position 2. Proposed Ethical Standards 3. Donors and the Ethical Ethos BASIS FOR DEVELOPING ETHICAL POSITIONS Reproductive Technology - should prioritize the well-being of potential children, their families, and society. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child affirms the moral duty to protect and provide for children's welfare. Scientific advancements in reproductive technology can benefit society, they must be carefully regulated to avoid risks and ethical concerns. BASIS FOR DEVELOPING ETHICAL POSITIONS The precautionary principle should guide decision-making, ensuring that no harm is done, especially when financial motives and power imbalances are involved. Adoption, as both involve non-genetic parent-child relationships. However, adoption is a response to an existing child’s needs, whereas reproductive technologies intentionally create life in new ways, sometimes involving commercial transactions. Society has historically prohibited practices that commodify human life, such as slavery and human trafficking, emphasizing that individuals should be treated as ends rather than means. BASIS FOR DEVELOPING ETHICAL POSITIONS Ethical reproductive practices should reinforce moral and cultural values rather than undermine them. Decisions about new reproductive technologies should be carefully justified to ensure they promote societal well-being and uphold human dignity. ETHICAL CONSIDERATION IN REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY Reproductive technology raises ethical concerns related to: 1. Child welfare 2. Family structure 3. Societal moral values Ethical decisions should prioritize the well-being of the child and uphold socially accepted norms. Ethical Standard for Reproductive Technology Permissible Use: > Supports socially adequate, married heterosexual couples struggling with infertility. > Must use safe, medically approved techniques. Not Permissible: > Methods harming embryos, donors, or surrogates. > Use of third-party donors or surrogates due to ethical risks.  Infertility and Ethical Boundaries Infertility is not a disease but causes emotional distress. Medicine should focus on correcting dysfunctions ethically. Ethical reproductive methods include: 1. Artificial Insemination by Husband (AIH) 2. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with the couple’s own sperm and egg 3. Tubal transfer techniques  Ethical Concerns in Reproductive Medicine Third-party donors and surrogacy create risks: 1. Fragmented parental identity. 2. Legal and emotional complications. 3. Ethical concerns over the sale of eggs/sperm. "Do no harm" principle must guide decisions.  CHILD WELFARE AS A PRIORITY Children are the most vulnerable in reproductive decisions. Potential harms of collaborative reproduction: 1. Emotional distress from unclear biological origins. 2. Identity struggles in adolescence. 3. Long-term psychological impact. DONORS AND THE CULTURAL ETHOS  INTRODUCTION Collaborative reproduction relies on procuring sperm, eggs, embryos, and surrogacy services. The industry is a multibillion-dollar business driven by infertility rates and market competition. Ethical concerns include exploitation, commercialization, and moral responsibility.  Commercialization of Reproduction Clinics, brokers, and individuals advertise and sell reproductive services competitively. Affluent clients shop for sperm, eggs, and surrogacy based on desirable traits. Donors also seek the best financial deal, turning reproduction into a business transaction.  ETHICAL CONCERNS OF DONORS Lack of research on the long-term impact on donors. Women face health risks from hormonal treatments and egg retrieval. Selling genetic material undermines personal responsibility and distorts the concept of donation.  MORAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT Sperm and egg donation is not comparable to blood or organ donation. Genetic material carries identity, heritage, and procreative responsibility. Donors sell their reproductive potential, potentially severing generational ties.  ETHICAL DILEMMAS OF SURROGACY Gestational surrogacy can be compared to selling bodily functions like prostitution. Poor women may be exploited for financial gain. Wealthy individuals commercialize reproduction, raising moral and ethical concerns THE MORAL RESPOMSIBILITY OF DONORS Donors abdicate responsibility for their biological offspring. Legal contracts cannot erase genetic and moral ties between parents and children. Donors deprive grandparents and relatives of knowing biological connections.  COMMERTIALIZATION AND FAMILY FRAGMENTATION Competitive markets devalue parenthood by making genetic material a commodity. Donors and surrogates may struggle with emotional detachment from their biological children. Society faces increasing male sexual irresponsibility and father abandonment issues.  ETHICAL AND SOCIAL RISKS Young men and women may regret selling their genetic material later in life. Genetic, gestational, and social parentage are being separated, weakening family bonds. Profit-driven reproduction threatens natural parental commitment.  THE ETHICAL DEBATE Some argue the desire for children justifies assisted reproduction methods. Others warn of long-term emotional and social risks for children. Key ethical question: Should reproduction be a market- driven industry?  DISCUSSION AND QUESTIONS What ethical concerns do you think are most pressing in reproductive technology? Should there be stricter regulations on reproductive markets? How can society balance technological advances and ethical responsibilities?  CONCLUSION In conclusion, the ethical concerns surrounding alternative reproductive technologies highlight the complex interplay between medical advancements, moral responsibility, and societal values. While these technologies offer hope to infertile couples, their use raises significant ethical issues, including the commercialization of reproduction, the fragmentation of parenthood, and the potential exploitation of donors and surrogates. The sale of sperm, eggs, and gestational services commodifies human reproduction, challenging fundamental principles of procreative responsibility and family integrity. Ethical reproductive practices should prioritize the well-being of the child, uphold moral obligations, and ensure that medical interventions align with broader societal values. Ultimately, a responsible and regulated approach to reproductive technologies is essential to safeguard both individuals and the moral fabric of society. Thank you, Class!