Ethical issues involved with in vitro fertilization

There are three elements to consider with in vitro fertilization. First, the paramount concern needs to be the well-being and best interests of the child, even though he or she may be an embryo at the time. Second, some people think a child will solve their marital problems. Although couples seeking in vitro fertilization should not be subjected to more scrutiny than couples conceiving in the traditional way, the stresses and uncertainties of in vitro fertilization can further strain a marriage. Clinic staff members should be sensitive to this issue as a way of helping to avoid complications later. Third, how we resolve the status and fate of the frozen embryo and who has disposition over it surely will reflect how we consider abortion rights. For example, if the standards of Roe vs Wade were applied, one could argue that the woman should have total disposition over the frozen embryo. On the other hand, if the father receives a say in the matter, what impact would this have? Given the nature of our society and the tenuous state of marriage, the problem of disposing frozen embryos is a critical one that has no satisfactory solution. Finally, there is the stress factor. Although this is not an issue of direct ethical concern, it is related to the necessity of the couple receiving accurate information. If the couple receives an incorrect impression of a clinic's success rates, they may be exposed unnecessarily to further stress and frustration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)