Assisted reproductive technology: a dilemma for the nursing profession

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Bioethics
• Nursing Practice

Background:

• Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is increasingly used for infertility treatment, despite documented poor outcomes.
• ART is viewed as an extreme example of a reductionist medical philosophy.
• This contrasts with the nursing profession's growing commitment to a holistic approach to patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the role of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in conjunction with genetic engineering.
• To analyze the philosophical conflict between ART's reductionist approach and nursing's holistic philosophy.
• To highlight the absence of Australian nurses in the ART debate and decision-making processes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ART's current applications and outcomes.
• Philosophical analysis comparing reductionist and holistic healthcare models.
• Examination of nursing professional discourse and involvement in ART-related policy and research in Australia.

Main Results:

• ART's effectiveness in treating infertility remains limited, yet its integration with genetic engineering is anticipated.
• A significant philosophical divergence exists between the mechanistic view of ART and the holistic principles of nursing.
• Australian nurses have had minimal participation in the discourse, research, and decision-making surrounding ART.

Conclusions:

• The integration of ART with genetic engineering presents complex ethical and practical challenges.
• The philosophical divide necessitates a re-evaluation of nursing's role and engagement with reproductive technologies.
• There is an urgent need for increased Australian nursing involvement in shaping the future of ART and its implications for professional practice.