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The new reproductive technologies have spawned new ethical concerns. These are controversial subjects, which have attracted wide media attention and public debate. However, the law and public opinion all over the world have lagged behind the advances in artificial conception which have created a "brave new world" of possibilities of giving birth, never before considered possible - using a mix and match combination of sperms, eggs and uteri. In fact, today we have the technology to be able to help any couple to get pregnant - no matter what their medical problem may be! However, whether or not they should adopt these options is a decision each couple needs to make for themselves!
Artificial conception raises the possibilities of myriad problems - legal or otherwise, which may need resolution by legislation or national guidelines. These relate to:
Theologians the world over differ sharply on the subject. For example, to the Catholic Church, adoption is acceptable; as are the use of fertility drugs. GIFT procedures are allowed when the sperms and eggs of the couple are placed in the woman's own Fallopian tubes. However, surrogacy; artificial insemination by husband or donor; and IVF are not allowed, because procreation without sexual union is considered unnatural, and the church has been quite vocal about its criticism.
© Dr. Aniruddha Malpani and Dr. Anjali Malpani www.drmalpani.com
Credits: How to Have a Baby: Overcoming Infertility
