The unknown face of in vitro fertilization

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to show the unknown face of artificial human reproduction methods. Generally, human fertilization clinics only show the most attractive face of in vitro fertilization: the newborn. Yet, they never show the other face of it: the long and dramatic procedure behind it. After briefly mentioning the 2010 Nobel Medicine Award granted to Robert Edwards, the father of in vitro fertilization, we analyze the two roots that support the big tree of artificial human reproduction methods: scientism and sentimentalism. Then we study the ethical aspect of these procedures. We come to the conclusion that these techniques are ethically negative since they denaturalize the meaning of human sexuality and the conjugal act. Right after that, we analyze some of the most frequent consequences of such methods: "embryonic mortality" and directly related to it, exceeding "embryo freezing"; "the risks for the health", both of the newborn as well as that of the woman. All those are elements that the couple must take into consideration in order to make the freest and most responsible decision possible. Finally, we explain the "slippery slope" effect in the use of these techniques (medicine babies, babies a la carte, surrogate maternity and reproductive mercantilism): what was developed with a very specific aim in mind, to remedy the infertility problem, has definitely open new and important ethical concerns.