Turkey-baster babies: a view from Europe.
Classification of artificial insemination as a medical procedure has largely endured because the practice met the perceived needs of clients, physicians, and society. For nearly two decades, however, the success of self-insemination has challenged both the necessity of involving physicians in the process and the traditional understanding of the procedure as therapy for infertile couples. Demedicalization of artificial insemination as a matter of policy would entail changes in law, custom, and attitudes. The advent of safe and effective self-insemination makes critical a public debate on the issues of reproductive freedom, the meaning of parenthood, and the interests of children.
Stephenson
P S
PS
Centre for Public Health Research, Sweden.
Wagner
M G
MG
D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007316:Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous; D038622:Internationality; D007883:Legislation, Medical; D009014:Morals; D018579:Patient Selection; D010819:Physician's Role; D012945:Social Values