Problems of IVF in Medical Ethics
IVF means that the embryo is fertilized and fostered in the laboratory through artificial assisted reproduction technology, and the embryo is finally transferred to the mother's womb. This new technology has achieved remarkable results in solving the problems of fertility disorder and infertility. However, in the process of popularization and application, it has also triggered a series of medical ethical problems.
1. Embryo selection
In vitro baby technology allows scientists to carry out gene screening at the early embryonic development stage to screen out embryos carrying genetic diseases or certain gene mutations. This can reduce the incidence of some genetic diseases to a certain extent, but also transfer the reproductive choice to doctors and parents. This has triggered ethical disputes, involving thinking about life, normal and abnormal, and the balance of power.
First of all, whether this right of choice infringes the rights and interests of embryos, so it can be screened and selected as a medical resource. Secondly, people also need to consider whether the social trend of thought is too perfect, which weakens the diversity and inclusiveness of human beings. Finally, whether the development of embryo gene screening technology will gradually slide towards the road of human design and transformation, and disrupt the principles of natural selection.
2. Moral and legal issues
The emergence of IVF technology has caused many moral and legal disputes. First, IVF technology involves fetal selection, which may cause some ethical and moral problems. For example, how to balance technology and humanistic care, how to respect the dignity of human life, and how to ensure that the choice is fair and equitable.
Secondly, at the legal level, many countries or regions have different restrictions and regulations on IVF technology. Some countries allow single or gay couples to have children through IVF technology, while others prohibit or restrict this practice. The differences in legal norms have caused a series of problems and disputes in the promotion and development of IVF technology.
3. Conflict between identity and family concept
IVF technology has brought some conflicts to family concept and individual identity. In the traditional family concept, people believe that the continuity of offspring is closely related to the inheritance of genes. The IVF technology makes the origin of embryos and parent-child relationship more complicated. For example, in the process of sperm donation, a child may have a direct genetic connection with a stranger, which may have a problem with individual identity and family inheritance.
4. Resource allocation and fairness and justice
The development and popularization of IVF technology has also led to the problem of uneven distribution of resources and fairness and justice. The high cost of IVF technology makes it easier for some families with better economic conditions to obtain this technology, while economically difficult or poor families cannot afford it. This inequality in resource allocation may exacerbate social inequality and further increase the problem of social fairness and justice.
In conclusion, the emergence of IVF technology has caused a series of problems in medical ethics. Embryo selection, moral and legal issues, conflicts between identity and family concepts, resource allocation and fairness and justice, and other issues need our in-depth thinking and discussion to find a more reasonable balance point, so that IVF technology can achieve a balance between public health and moral values.
