The Impact and Ethics of New Reproductive Technologies

The Positive Impact of Reproductive Technologies

On the other hand, these technologies can create a positive impact in certain aspects. First, as stated by Professor Azim Surani of the University of Cambridge, "This is an incredible achievement." The fact that a baby can be made from two males or two females, and the fact that a baby can grow outside a woman's body, represents one of the biggest advances in science. From another point of view, some people benefit from it, such as scientists and obstetricians, for whom these technologies mean entry into high-paying work and the inner circle of medicine; therefore, their professional prestige is enhanced.

Addressing Infertility and the Role of IVF

Added to this, other types of women and families are benefited because "infertility is a condition which is estimated to affect 15 percent of American couples" (Jennifer Strickler, 1992). These New Reproductive Technologies (NRTs) provide a solution for this problem that affects many couples. IVF is one such solution; it provides an additional way to create a baby. However, despite the fact that there is no paternal/maternal relationship established in IVF, R. Waldenberg believes that the child born will be affected in his development to create other relationships.

Risks and Limitations of IVF

In addition, the chances that the baby grows, according to R. Waldenberg, are low, and the technology is not fully developed. Also, as IVF involves treating women with injections to change ovarian function, there are severe effects after this, such as:

• Fluid retention
• Blood clots
• Swelling
• Abdominal pain
• Kidney failure

Conclusion: Ethical Concerns and the Value of Life

In conclusion, the NRTs have solved the problem of infertility for many people and symbolize one of the biggest steps in science. Yet, the results often involve unnecessary, unethical, and dangerous medical procedures performed on women—ones that can even endanger them. I know how great it would be to create your own son, not having to carry the pregnancy symptoms; that if you are infertile, you can have a son; that if you are a man and want to marry another man and have kids, you can; that babies and yourself could be cloned. All of this sounds even exciting, but don't be fooled by it. The dangers of experimenting with living organisms and the value of life as it is are greater than a laboratory experiment. That is why I think that as great as these technologies might sound, they are not what we are looking for.