Assisted reproductive technologies

Definition

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) refer to a range of medical procedures used to address infertility and help individuals or couples conceive a child. This includes techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and the use of donor gametes. ART raises important ethical, moral, and religious discussions, as it intersects with beliefs about family, procreation, and the sanctity of life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ART has expanded significantly since the first successful IVF procedure in 1978, leading to millions of births worldwide.
2. Many religious groups have varying views on ART, with some supporting its use while others oppose it due to beliefs about conception and the sanctity of life.
3. The legal landscape surrounding ART can be complex, involving issues of parental rights, ownership of embryos, and donor anonymity.
4. ART can also involve ethical considerations such as the fate of unused embryos and the implications of selecting certain traits or conditions through genetic testing.
5. Cultural perspectives on ART influence how societies accept or reject these technologies, impacting access to treatment and support for those experiencing infertility.

Review Questions

• How do assisted reproductive technologies challenge traditional views on family and procreation?
  • Assisted reproductive technologies challenge traditional views on family and procreation by introducing medical intervention in what was once considered a natural process. For instance, the use of ART allows individuals and couples who may face infertility to conceive, which can reshape societal norms about who can become parents. Additionally, ART raises questions about the role of technology in reproduction, potentially leading to diverse family structures that differ from traditional definitions.
• What are some ethical dilemmas associated with assisted reproductive technologies that relate to religious beliefs?
  • Assisted reproductive technologies present several ethical dilemmas that intersect with religious beliefs, such as the status of embryos created during IVF. Some religions view embryos as having full human rights from conception, leading to opposition against practices like embryo freezing or discarding unused embryos. Additionally, there are concerns about selecting traits through genetic testing that might conflict with certain religious values regarding acceptance of all human life.
• Evaluate how cultural perspectives influence the acceptance and regulation of assisted reproductive technologies globally.
  • Cultural perspectives significantly influence the acceptance and regulation of assisted reproductive technologies around the world. In societies where traditional family structures are predominant, there may be resistance to ART practices due to fears about altering natural procreation processes. Conversely, cultures that prioritize individual choice and scientific advancement may embrace ART, leading to more supportive legal frameworks and access to these technologies. This divergence impacts not only individual experiences with infertility but also shapes global discussions on reproductive rights and health policies.

Related terms

in vitro fertilization: A medical procedure where an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body, and the resulting embryo is then implanted into the uterus.

infertility: The inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse, which can affect both men and women.

gametes: Reproductive cells, namely sperm in males and eggs in females, that combine during fertilization to create an embryo.