In vitro fertilization

Definition

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure that involves combining an egg and sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting to create an embryo, which is then implanted into a woman's uterus. This process has significantly influenced reproductive ethics and genetic engineering by raising questions about the moral implications of manipulating human reproduction and the potential for genetic selection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IVF was first successfully used to help achieve pregnancy in 1978 with the birth of Louise Brown, the first 'test-tube baby'.
2. This technique allows for the storage of embryos, which raises ethical questions regarding when life begins and the fate of unused embryos.
3. IVF procedures can involve preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), enabling parents to screen embryos for genetic conditions before implantation.
4. Many countries have regulations governing IVF practices, including limits on the number of embryos that can be implanted and guidelines for gamete donation.
5. The rising use of IVF has sparked debates about accessibility and fairness, particularly regarding socio-economic disparities in accessing reproductive technologies.

Review Questions

• How does in vitro fertilization challenge traditional views on reproduction and parenthood?
  • In vitro fertilization challenges traditional views by separating conception from sexual intercourse, allowing for parenthood through advanced medical technology. This shift raises questions about what it means to be a parent, as individuals or couples may have biological connections to their child through donated gametes or embryos. Additionally, IVF can lead to complex family structures that redefine relationships and parental roles.
• Discuss the ethical implications of embryo selection in in vitro fertilization procedures.
  • Embryo selection in IVF introduces significant ethical implications, particularly concerning the potential for eugenics. Parents may choose embryos based on desired traits or to avoid genetic disorders, which could lead to societal pressures to conform to certain standards of health or ability. This practice raises questions about equality, as it could create disparities based on who can afford such technologies and promote a culture that values certain characteristics over others.
• Evaluate the impact of in vitro fertilization on reproductive rights and access to genetic engineering technologies.
  • In vitro fertilization has transformed reproductive rights by providing new options for individuals facing infertility, allowing them to pursue parenthood through medical intervention. However, access to IVF remains uneven, highlighting issues of socio-economic disparity where not everyone can afford treatment. Moreover, as IVF intersects with genetic engineering—such as through preimplantation genetic diagnosis—ethical discussions emerge about who has the right to utilize these technologies and how they may influence societal norms regarding family planning and genetic selection.

Related terms

Embryo Selection: The process of choosing specific embryos for implantation based on desired traits or health factors, which raises ethical considerations about eugenics and parental choice.

Genetic Engineering: The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology, which can be applied in conjunction with IVF for purposes such as gene therapy or preventing genetic disorders.

Gamete Donation: The provision of sperm or eggs by donors, which allows individuals and couples to pursue IVF despite infertility, leading to ethical discussions about anonymity, consent, and the rights of donors.