Assisted reproductive technologies

Definition

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are medical procedures used to address infertility and help individuals or couples conceive a child. These techniques include a range of interventions, from in vitro fertilization (IVF) to artificial insemination, and they often involve the manipulation of sperm, eggs, and embryos outside the body. ART raises significant legal and ethical questions, particularly regarding parental rights, the status of embryos, and access to these technologies for different populations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ART procedures have been widely adopted since the first successful IVF birth in 1978, which has led to millions of births worldwide.
2. Legal issues surrounding ART often include debates about embryo disposition, parental rights, and who holds custody of embryos in cases of divorce or separation.
3. There are varying laws and regulations on ART practices across different countries, affecting accessibility and the ethical considerations involved.
4. Insurance coverage for ART can vary significantly, with some states mandating coverage while others do not, impacting who can afford these treatments.
5. Ethical concerns regarding ART include issues related to the commodification of human life, genetic selection, and potential exploitation of gamete donors.

Review Questions

• How do assisted reproductive technologies raise legal questions about parental rights and embryo status?
  • Assisted reproductive technologies complicate legal definitions of parenthood since multiple parties can be involved in the creation and custody of embryos. For example, when a couple uses donated gametes or engages a surrogate, legal disputes can arise regarding who is considered the legal parent. Additionally, laws about embryo disposition—what happens to unused embryos after a failed cycle or if the parents separate—can lead to significant legal challenges regarding ownership and ethical responsibilities.
• Evaluate how access to assisted reproductive technologies varies across different populations and the implications this has for reproductive justice.
  • Access to assisted reproductive technologies is often influenced by socioeconomic status, geographic location, and healthcare policies. This discrepancy can create barriers for marginalized groups seeking fertility treatments. The implications for reproductive justice are profound as it highlights inequities in healthcare access and raises questions about who is afforded reproductive choices. This disparity necessitates discussions on policies that ensure fair access to ART for all individuals regardless of their background.
• Synthesize the ethical dilemmas associated with assisted reproductive technologies and their impact on societal views regarding reproduction.
  • The ethical dilemmas surrounding assisted reproductive technologies encompass various issues such as the commodification of reproduction, concerns about genetic selection, and the moral status of embryos. These dilemmas shape societal views on reproduction by challenging traditional notions of family and parenthood. As ART becomes more prevalent, society grapples with questions about what constitutes a 'natural' conception versus one achieved through medical intervention, ultimately influencing public policy and personal beliefs about family-building methods.

Related terms

In Vitro Fertilization: A procedure that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting before transferring the embryo to the uterus.

Surrogacy: An arrangement in which a woman carries and delivers a child for another individual or couple, often involving ART methods.

Gamete Donation: The process where an individual donates their sperm or eggs for use in ART procedures, typically to help others achieve pregnancy.