Development In Bioethics

Question 1

IVF

Answer 1

In vitro fertilisation is when the egg is fertilised outside the woman’s body. Several eggs are used at once and all are placed back into the woman’s body with the hope that the woman will become pregnant

Question 2

Issues with in vitro fertilisation

Answer 2

1. Spare embryos
2. Compromising religious beliefs on marriage
3. Potential medical complications
4. Designer babies
5. Identity

Question 3

Types of surrogacy

Answer 3

Traditional surrogacy- The husband or partner’s sperm is used to fertilise the surrogate mother’s egg

Gestational surrogacy- The surrogate mother (gestational carrier) becomes pregnant with a baby she is not genetically related to. The egg is either donated or comes from the intended mother (who is unable to get pregnant herself). The egg is fertilised through IVF and implanted into the surrogate mother’s womb

Question 4

Issues with surrogacy

Answer 4

1. Some Christians are uncomfortable with the use of a surrogate mother as they consider a third person being involved in their family planning as a form of adultery
2. Surrogacy agreements are not legally binding. The surrogate may decide she wants to keep the baby
3. People desperate for a child may be willing to pay for a baby without going through the proper channels
4. The child may want to find their biological mother when they’re older

Question 5

Human Fertilisation And Embryology Authority

Answer 5

Regulates and controls fertility treatment anywhere in the world