week 7 reproductive technologies Flashcards
procreative liberty argument
Reproductive decisions should be based on personal autonomy and should only be limited if they cause harm to others.
According to the procreative liberty argument, when can reproductive decisions be limited?
Reproductive decisions can only be limited based on the harm principle, meaning if they cause harm to others.
Why is it difficult to argue harm in the context of reproductive decisions?
Because if the child wouldn’t have been born otherwise, it’s hard to say they are harmed by being born.
What was the historical view of having children in many societies?
The desire to have children was seen as a sign of worth, often believed to be a blessing from God. The more children one had, the more blessings they received.
What was the understanding of human reproduction before the dissection of the human body?
Before the dissection of the human body, the process of reproduction was a mystery. People didn’t understand how babies were conceived or how pregnancy occurred.
What is the central principle in modern reproduction?
Individual choice and autonomy, giving people control over decisions like when and how to have children.
What ethical concerns surround the sale of eggs and sperm
Selling eggs or sperm as commodities raises moral issues about exploitation. In Canada, egg and sperm donation is considered an altruistic act rather than a commercial transaction.
What is the ethical debate around surrogacy for money?
Some argue that paid surrogacy exploits vulnerable women, while others see it as offering women a choice to help others have children.
what are the potential risks of assisted reproduction?
Assisted reproductive technologies, like surrogacy or IVF, can cause physical harm to women, such as health risks during pregnancy and complications from intensive fertility treatments.
What is the emotional harm linked to infertility treatments?
The emotional toll of infertility treatments includes stress, anxiety, grief, and depression, especially when treatments are unsuccessful. Fertility treatments can be expensive, with cycles costing around $7,000, even if partially covered by insurance, adding to the emotional and financial strain on individuals or couples.
What is Andrews’ stance on women’s autonomy regarding reproductive technologies?
Andrews believes that women have the right to sell their reproductive services, as long as they are capable of it. If a woman’s body can do it, she should have the autonomy to decide whether to engage in surrogacy.
What is the issue with the global surrogacy market, especially in Asia?
The global market for surrogacy, particularly in Asia, raises concerns about the exploitation of women, often due to economic pressures and lack of full agency in their decisions.
How does Anderson view the commodification of women’s bodies in reproductive technologies?
Anderson argues that commodification in surrogacy reduces women to tools for producing babies, perpetuating the historical view of women as mere reproductive incubators.
What critique does Raymond offer regarding altruistic surrogacy?
Answer: Raymond argues that altruistic surrogacy is problematic because women are expected to be naturally caring, leading them to feel pressured to agree to surrogacy even if they don’t want to, ultimately exploiting them when no money is involved.
