Beginning of Life

Question 1

What are the main techniques used in artificial reproduction?

Answer 1

• Artificial insemination
• In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
• Gamete donation
• Embryo donation
• Use of artificial gametes
• Reproductive cloning

Question 2

What opportunities arise due to assisted reproduction?

Answer 2

•Treatment of infertility

•Single and same sex parents

•Prevention of inherited conditions

•Fertility preservation

• Sex selection
• “Designer babies”
• The reproduction industry

Question 3

What questions arise in the treatment of infertility?

Answer 3

• What is infertility?
• Who are infertile - people vs couples
• Absolute versus relative impediment to conception
• Who should be offered treatment?
• What treatment should be offered?
• How should this be funded?

Question 4

What are the arguments surrounding sex selection?

Answer 4

• Undermining the status of women
• Gender ratio imbalance
• Against nature
• Slippery slope
• Parental love
• Virtue of acceptance

Question 5

What are the moral questions surrounding the embryo?

Answer 5

When does life begin?

HEFA act

Primitive streak

Pain/neurological deficit

Stem cells

Question 6

What are the ethical issues surrounding beginning of life?

Answer 6

2 or 3 voices

Autonomy

Beneficence

Non-maleficence

Utalitarianism