Ethical Considerations: Should there be limitations to what we can do?
We are at a point in which we are the most tolerant of differing opinions, values, morals, and cultures than humans have ever been before. Not long ago, having a different value-set was not tolerated, but now, people of many faiths live in the same apartment complex or take a college course together. We often respect the idea everyone has the right to their opinion and morals. It is engaging and important to hear the different perspectives on topics in order to limit harm to others. Assisted reproductive technologies is one of the topics that needs to be constantly evaluated. It should be subjected to many perspectives to ensure benefit and limit harm. Below are a few newer concepts that can be discussed.
Starting with….
Posthumous Sperm Collection
Posthumous sperm collection is the collection of sperm from someone, who has recently passed away. There was a recent article discussing a posthumous sperm collection case. A man’s parents were the ones who wanted his sperm collected after he passed away in a skiing accident, so they would be able to have grandchildren. The court ruled in favor of the parents and allowed them to use their son’s sperm to have a pregnancy. The reason the court ruled in favor of the parents is because they told the court their son had stated he would like to have children. There was no written record of this. Check out the article for more details: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/peter-zhu-death-frozen-sperm-parents-grandchild-surrogate-mother-a8924641.html.
It is not clear exactly how the man’s parents will end up using the sperm. They could use a donor egg and surrogate and raise the children who are conceived. They could choose for those children to be adopted and request an open adoption with visitation. Does it matter how his parents end up using his sperm?
There are cases of individuals who use their partner’s posthumous sperm to have children after he passes away. Do we have any reservations about the well-being of a child that is born already with a father that has passed away? Society usually doesn't have any issue with continuing an ongoing pregnancy after the death of the father. Is there a difference between on ongoing pregnancy and initiating a pregnancy after the death of the father? Arguments for posthumous sperm collection and use are centered on the surviving individual(s) ability to connect with a child that shares the genetics of the person who has passed away. Are there any arguments against posthumous sperm collection?
Next up...
Family Surrogates
Some women are not able to carry a pregnancy due to the higher than average risk for mortality and complications. Surrogacy may be an option for them and there have been cases where a mother offers to be the surrogate. A grandmother can give birth to her grandchild which can be a very special experience for all involved.
Theoretically, the daughter of the woman could also be the surrogate for her parents. The woman could have had her daughter many years ago, and she is now old enough to be a surrogate herself. A sibling could give birth to her sibling. If we are thinking in evolutionary terms (which when are we really?) a sibling has more incentive to be a surrogate to her sibling than a grandparent would. We, as a species, want to perpetuate our genetics and siblings share 50% of their genes whereas a grandparent shares 25% of their genes. Is there any reason to limit a child becoming a surrogate for their parents?
Social Surrogacy
Social surrogacy is when an individual chooses to use a surrogate to carry a pregnancy not because of infertility or medical reasons rather for social reasons. The individual working with the surrogate may work at a high power job or is a model/actress and feels she is unable to go through the demands of a pregnancy while maintaining her career. She may feel the result to her body may impede her ability to work in show business or that she would not be able to take the time off for medical appointments.
A surrogate may want to carry a pregnancy for another individual just because she is asked to and is not overly concerned about why the other individual is unable to carry the pregnancy. However, is there any hesitation that the surrogate takes on the risk of pregnancy in a setting of perceived social limitations, not biological ones? Does the reason why someone requests a surrogate matter? The guardian released a story on this topic: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/may/25/having-a-child-doesnt-fit-womens-schedule-the-future-of-surrogacy.
New technology often starts out with boundaries and a watchful eye until it is shown not to be threatening. This has been the case with the internet, smartphones, Facebook, and even in vitro fertilization. This article is meant to get us thinking if there should any limitations to the technologies in assisted reproduction. For American society, the consensus likely would be there should not be limitations to someone’s reproductive freedom. There are already enough limits put on reproductive rights and in this space, restrictions should be few and far between. However, the consensus should not be assumed, and healthy discussion is important.
* This blog constitutes general information about genetic testing and medical screening. This blog does not offer or provide medical advice or diagnosis, and nothing in this blog should be construed as medical advice or diagnosis. Do not rely on the information in this blog/article to make medical management decisions. Please consult with a medical professional before making those decisions. Do not delay in seeking professional medical advice if you think you have a medical concern. Do not disregard professional medical advice based on any information received in this blog.
