Reproductive Assistance for Various Reasons, a Woman

Reproductive Assistance

For various reasons, a woman could be unable to achieve pregnancy or conceive via natural means. However, thanks to recent advances in biotechnology, artificial methods can now be used to help such women achieve pregnancy. Assisted reproductive technology is defined by Morrison as "any of a number of alternative ways to reproduce children."1(p409) In the past, issues to do with reproductive assistance have triggered widespread debate. An issue of key concern in this case remains whether or not it can be considered ethical to reproduce children via other means other than natural conception. It is however important to note that for some reason, i.e. infertility, some couples who would have loved to have children may not be able to do so. Should such couples remain childless simply because they cannot conceive naturally? In my opinion, assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are both necessary and beneficial.

In the words of Schenker, it has been argued that ARTs effectively undermine "the full capacity for freedom that accompanies naturally excellent behavior."2(p48) According to the author, life does not come from human beings.2(p48) Neither are human beings its master.2(p48) This argument seems to advance the fact that it would be wrong for human beings to 'play God' by attempting to interfere with the formation of life. It is also important to note that some Christian Denominations have also floated a number of arguments against ARTs. For instance, as Schenker2(pXX) points out, the position that has been adopted by the Catholic Church in regard to ARTs is rather clear. The church according to the author does not permit ARTs. The argument advanced by the Catholic Church in this case as the author further points out is "that IVF involves disregard for human life and separates human procreation from sexual intercourse."2(pXX)

In seeking to counter the arguments presented in the paragraph above, it is important to note from the onset that those who cannot conceive naturally must not be barred from being beneficiaries of a procedure that would help them realize their desire to have children. Doctors have a responsibility to ensure that just as they would a patient with a medical condition; they utilize their knowledge and tools of trade to ensure that those who cannot conceive naturally are able to achieve pregnancy via alternative means. The utilization of ARTs could come in handy in this case. It should also be noted that in line with self-autonomy, the various choices and freedoms of individuals must and should be respected if the said individuals do not occasion harm to others. It is not our duty to tell others what to do or not to do with their bodies. Similarly, we should not dictate to others how or how not to conceive or reproduce.