Artificial insemination Essay Example

can lead to a reduced gene pool and an increased incidence of unknown genetic disorders within a population. Donors must undergo testing for infections such as HIV and additional genetic testing, which can be stressful. Moreover, ethical and social concerns exist about whether children conceived through donors have the right to know their biological father.The topic of whether a donor's identity should remain unknown or if children should be aware of their biological parents is a controversial issue in society. Some argue that having access to information about biological parents is crucial, while others believe revealing the donor's identity would violate their privacy and potentially discourage donations. It is also important to prevent half siblings from intermarrying to decrease genetic defects in future offspring. Accessing information about biological parents is critical for AID offspring, as it helps ensure they integrate well with their family's lifestyle and physical characteristics through AI, IVF, and embryo transplantation. Many believe donors and recipients should "match" based on race, physical attributes, religion (if necessary), and create close resemblance between the child and the parents.

The selection of certain donor traits can be viewed as a form of eugenics, as it allows prospective parents to choose desirable human qualities. However, this practice raises concerns about the morality of creating "designer babies." Critics argue that selecting a donor father is a move towards making such individuals a norm in society, which is deemed unnatural and unethical.

The process of IVF, or in vitro fertilization, involves administering hormonal treatment to induce superovulation - the simultaneous maturation of multiple oocytes in each ovary. The ovaries are then inspected using a fibre optic light guide and the

mature follicles are catheterized to extract oocytes. These eggs are combined with sperm in a sterile nutrient solution for fertilization. After division, the fertilized egg is transferred into the uterus. Any excess embryos can be frozen for later use or donated to couples experiencing infertility.

IVF success rates typically range from 15% to 20% in the UK. Younger patients have higher chances of success and lower risks of genetic defects. Although implanting more embryos can increase the likelihood of success, regulations restrict this to a maximum of three. In the past twenty years, around 30,000 babies have been born in the UK through IVF since Louise Brown's birth as the first test-tube baby. Fertility drugs are used during IVF and embryo transplantation; however, further investigation is required to establish their precise dangers.

When taking fertility drugs on a daily basis, people may experience a range of side effects such as depression, hot flushes and dizziness. Additionally, there's growing concern about potential long-term risks like ovarian cancer. Liz Tiberis attributes her own case of ovarian cancer to undergoing nine IVF attempts, although medical professionals have not confirmed any definitive link between the two. The Cancer Research Campaign is currently investigating this possible connection.

IVF treatment carries unknown risks which some consider morally and socially unacceptable. There are also social and moral concerns regarding access to NHS-funded IVF treatments, since only 18% of treatments receive funding and waiting times vary depending on location.

Private IVF treatment can cost up to 2,000 per cycle and typically requires three cycles for pregnancy to occur in 50% of cases. This creates inequality within society as wealthier couples have an advantage due to their financial

ability to afford the treatment. While egg donation is an option for less wealthy couples, some people view it as unnatural and morally wrong. Furthermore, unsuccessful attempts at IVF can lead to emotional trauma, particularly after multiple tries when parents' hopes are falsely raised. Additionally, IVF increases the likelihood of multiple births from 2% to 25%, which may be socially and morally unacceptable for unprepared families. However, others view the abortion of a child as equally morally unacceptable.

Controversial cases have sparked moral and social concerns. One such case involved a 62-year-old French woman who was artificially inseminated with her brother's sperm, unbeknownst to the doctor. Inbreeding within families could result in genetic defects, and clinics can be deceived; this raises further questions regarding medical risks for both mother and child when women of advanced age become pregnant. It also has social implications when children are born to older mothers.

Another incident that caused uproar occurred in the USA when a white couple gave birth to a black baby due to an IVF laboratory mix-up where the woman received another woman's fertilised egg accidentally. To prevent these mistakes from happening again, organisations like the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority need stringent regulations, including DNA tests before implantation. These measures increase IVF costs considerably, sparking discussions on whether "putting a price tag" on children is morally justifiable or not.

There is an argument that the media has distorted the benefits of IVF, as clinics profit mostly from failure due to the low success rate. Reports suggest that some clinics manipulate their figures by using other statistics to interpret them differently, or they intentionally omit disadvantageous information. Some clinics may

also offer a definition of their success rates that differs from what they are legally required to provide. This immoral behavior can affect the credibility of IVF treatment overall.

According to Professor Ian Craft from the London Gynaecology and Fertility Centre, only a small minority of those who undergo IVF treatment achieve success. He believes that couples should have the means to accept their inability to conceive a child "in an honourable way", noting that in the past people accepted their infertility because there was no remedy. However, nowadays people are more inclined to question their situation. Thus, it is crucial to take into account ethical and moral considerations when contemplating the use of methods such as AI, IVF and embryo transplantation.

When contemplating a technique, individuals need to evaluate if the moral and social issues that are unique to it are worth the benefits it may provide. It is crucial for ethical and social considerations to be integrated with scientific research and advancements to evade potential risks that may pose a threat to forthcoming generations.