Assisted Reproductive Technology Essay -- Infertility Medicine Papers

Assisted Reproductive Technology The act of reproduction is vital in sustaining the organism of any living creature. In fact, anthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher cites in her book Anatomy of Love that the most essential thing the human animal does is reproduce (Rutter, 1996). It is choice of the species reproduce or die out. In the human race, it is not a problem of extinction, but of conforming to social expectations. Fisher notes that men feel the insistence to plant the seed and women feel that motherhood is the sole factor of femaleness, while others feel that it is just an issue of humanitys need to control nature (Rutter, 1996). Granted, these atomic number 18 the opinions of only a few individuals, yet the topic of procreation is obviously a very important issue between marriage partners. But what happens when matchless spatenot reproduce? An estimated one out of every six couples in the United Sates has difficulty conceiving a child (Rogers, 1988). Fifty years ago, these inf ertile partners had only triplet options continue trying to have a baby through natural sexual intercourse, adopt a child, or simply remain barren. However, recent developments in reproductive technologies have created many alternative methods for conception. Assisted reproductive technologies caught on quickly, and in 1995 three million American couples sought procreative help (Rutter, 1996). on with the emergence of any new technology comes ethical and legal issues which must be considered, especially in Christian settings. However, it is possible that assisted reproductive technologies can be a realistic and ethical option for infertile couples, without compromising the covenants of the faith community. Definitions In order to understand the issues t... ...496. Lockwood, M. (1985). (Ed). Moral dilemmas in modern medicine. Oxford Oxford University Press. Nelson, J. B. (1973). gay medicine ethical perspectives on new medical issues. Minneapolis Augsburg Publishing House. Neuber ger, J. A. (1988, April 22). Tug of love troubles. Nursing Times, 22. Rogers, J. R. (Ed). (1988). Medical ethics-human choices. Scottdale, PA Herald Press. Rutter, V. T. (1996, March-April). Who stole fertility? psychology Today, pp. 46-49. Snyder, G. F. (1988). Tough choices. Elgin, IL Brethren Press. Thomasma, D. C. & Kushman, T. (Eds). (1996). Birth to death. New York Cambridge University Press. Weltman, J. J. (1997). Points to consider on the subject of surrogacy. Online. The American Surrogacy Center, Inc. Available http//www.surrogacy.com/legals/articles/points.html (1997, October 23).