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Sunday, November 9, 2014

Blog #8: In Vitro Fertilization


In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment that is part of assisted reproductive technology (ART), which is widely used and accepted in society. Although the science and technology has been around for quite some time, with the first person born via IVF in 1978, there are many ethical issues that have not been resolved, and will unlikely be resolved anytime soon. 

While IVF treatments have given hope to many people who yearn to be parents, there are many factors to consider before undergoing treatments. As with all technology, IVF raises many ethical questions in a variety of subjects, ranging from religion to public policy. Amongst these topics, the most important ethical issues in vitro fertilization introduces are anonymity, custody rights, nature vs. nurture, and malpractice. 

Despite the ethical issues, it is highly unlikely that people will stop using IVF anytime soon. As far as fertility treatments go, IVF has an incredibly high success rate. The ART industry has given hope to many people and is still improving to lower the risks and costs for patients. IVF can potentially be less invasive and faster as the physicians develop new techniques in administering the treatments.

When the technology was first introduced, there were very few guidelines and only the wealthy could afford to have this opportunity. Nowadays, there is a medical board regulating fertility procedures. Although it is still quite expensive today, it is much more affordable and accessible than it was back then. As a result, the industry boomed.

The fertility industry has a much bigger role in society than ever before. The technology has boosted our society's fertility rate, which stretches thin our government's resources. Because of this, fertility treatments have a huge impact on the economy, even though this connection is not that obvious. 

1 comment:

  1. This is such a wonderful technique! By using In vitro fertilization, a ethical problem can be solved: those couples who eagerly want to have babies can find ways to get their own babies, so they won't feel pitiful.

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