In vitro fertilization: a right or a privilege?
Infertility is a common medical problem affecting millions of couples worldwide. As new and more effective treatments arise, a host of ethical issues are generated. Is reproduction a fundamental right, or a luxury? Is it in the best interests of society to guarantee reproductive abilities for all of its members? Specifically, should insurance companies be compelled to pay for all expensive infertility therapies (such as in vitro fertilization), especially in light of global over-population concerns? This paper addresses these issues, and discusses other ethical considerations generated by infertility treatments.
Kyle
B L
BL
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000628:therapy*; D008145:Louisiana; D008297:Male