One technique started making me think of the ethical aspects that I have been researching. The ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) technique literally forces the sperm into the egg via a needle. Is this crossing an ethical line? Instead of allowing the most able sperm to "win" entrance into the egg for fertilization, a possible sign of sperm strength, there is a deliberate join. Would a couple trying for pregnancy even think of what the procedure actually is, or would they just see it as a successful option for becoming pregnant? I would hope that many couples would think of the ethical implications each option gives, but then again, if I was in their place I would probably view the prospect of a successful pregnancy much higher in importance than chancing it on other less successful reproductive techniques.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Dr. McIntosh 1/26/12
The science behind reproductive technologies continues to astound me. Recently I have been focusing on the more social and ethical aspects of reproductive medicine, without fully understanding the science techniques that are making it all possible. Though some of it was still a little above my head, I understood how many different variations there could be on a procedure to become pregnant. Clomiphene citrate, Gonadotropins, GnRH Pumps, Interuterine Insemination IUI, and many more-- all give a viable way for reproduction.
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ICSI, indeed ALL in vitro fertilization techniques, "cross the ethical line" in the sense that humans are trying to "play God",that is, create a baby. In answer to your question regarding couples questioning the ethics of it versus the "product", I would daresay that the product trumps the morality of it. In the end, a baby is formed, but at what financial/ethical cost? With so many babies up for adoption, the myriad of artificial means of having a baby seem almost selfish, in a way.
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