A philosopher looks at assisted reproduction

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Reproductive Medicine
• Philosophy of Law

Background:

• In vitro fertilization (IVF) faces ethical, religious, and feminist objections.
• Procreative liberty, as defined by John Robertson, includes rights to surrogacy and gamete donation.
• The fundamental right to reproduce is debated in the context of assisted reproductive technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate objections to IVF and assess their validity for potential bans.
• To critique John Robertson's concept of procreative liberty.
• To clarify the moral basis of the right to reproduce and its relation to assisted reproduction.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical analysis of ethical objections to IVF.
• Critical examination of legal and philosophical arguments on procreative liberty.
• Conceptual analysis of the right to reproduce and its application to assisted reproduction.

Main Results:

• Religious, health/safety, and feminist objections do not justify banning IVF.
• Certain controls and procedures may be necessary to prevent harm and exploitation in assisted reproduction.
• Robertson's view of procreative liberty is flawed; the right to reproduce is tied to the intent and ability to rear children.

Conclusions:

• IVF should be permitted, with appropriate safeguards.
• The right to reproduce is fundamentally linked to child-rearing, not merely procreation.
• Assisted reproductive technologies should be accessible to infertile individuals seeking to have and raise their own children.