Ethics In Assisted Reproductive Technology

Summary

In this video, Corlandos Scott, an assisted reproductive technologies attorney, delves into the ethical complexities surrounding A.R.T., focusing on genetic material and financial aspects. He discusses the concept of 'intended parents', the selection and disposition of embryos, and the ethical implications of compensating donors and surrogates. Scott also addresses the access disparities to these technologies and invites viewers to consider the ethical dimensions of A.R.T., including the rights of all parties involved.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The ethics of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are complex and can be viewed as a double-edged sword, implying that ethical considerations have both positive and negative aspects.
• 📚 Ethics are defined as a set of guidelines or rules that shape a person's behavior within a culture, determining what is considered right or wrong.
• 🤔 The script raises the question of whether ethics are absolute or relative, suggesting that what is ethical may vary based on individual, cultural, or situational contexts.
• 🧬 Major ethical issues in ART revolve around genetic material and financial aspects, highlighting the importance of these two areas in ethical discussions.
• 👶 The creation, storage, and disposition of embryos are key points of ethical debate, with questions about who the 'real parent' is in cases of genetic donation.
• 🏥 Legally, the term 'intended parents' is used in ART to refer to those who are meant to become parents, regardless of genetic contribution, emphasizing the intent over biology.
• 💼 The script discusses the subjective nature of ethics in ART, with religious and cultural beliefs influencing views on the use of donor eggs or sperm.
• 🛑 Ethical concerns also arise in the selection of embryos for implantation, with the potential for perceived 'choice' between embryos raising moral questions.
• 🧊 The disposition of unused embryos is a contentious ethical issue, with options including freezing, disposal, donation to science, or to other couples, each carrying its own ethical considerations.
• 💰 The high costs of ART and the compensation for donors and surrogates are ethical considerations, with debates on whether high payments could exploit vulnerable individuals.
• 🌐 Access to ART is uneven, with factors such as cost, location, and legal restrictions creating disparities and raising questions about the ethics of unequal access to these technologies.
• ⚠️ Risks associated with ART, both physical and medical, are acknowledged, prompting ethical reflections on the implications of asking individuals to undertake these risks for the benefit of others.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Corlandos Scott's practice?

Corlandos Scott is an assisted reproductive technologies attorney in Los Angeles, focusing on helping people grow their families through A.R.T.

How does the script describe the nature of ethics in the context of assisted reproductive technologies?

The script describes ethics as a set of guidelines or rules that define a person's behavior in a culture, emphasizing that ethics can be both absolute and relative, and highlighting the subjective nature of ethical considerations in assisted reproductive technologies.

What are the two major ethical issues discussed in the script related to assisted reproductive technologies?

The two major ethical issues discussed are related to genetic material and money, covering aspects such as the creation, storage, and disposition of embryos, as well as the financial aspects of donor compensation and access to these technologies.

What does the script suggest about the concept of 'intended parents' in the context of assisted reproduction?

The script suggests that 'intended parents' are those who have the intent to become parents, even if they did not donate the genetic material or carry the child themselves. This term is used to recognize their role and rights in the process of assisted reproduction.

How does the script address the question of who the 'real parent' is in cases of genetic donation?

The script acknowledges that while genetically the donor may be considered the 'real parent,' legally and in the context of assisted reproduction, the 'real parent' is the intended parent, the person who is meant to become the parent of the child.

What ethical concerns are raised by the script regarding the selection of embryos during assisted reproduction?

The script raises concerns about the ethical implications of choosing one embryo over another for implantation, especially for cultures or individuals who view embryos as living children, as it may seem like choosing one child over another.

What are some of the disposition options for unused embryos mentioned in the script?

The script mentions several disposition options for unused embryos, including freezing them for future use, disposing of them by thawing and letting them demise, donating them to medical science, or donating them to another person or couple to help them grow their family.

How does the script discuss the issue of donor compensation in the context of ethics?

The script discusses the ethical concerns around donor compensation, noting the wide range of payments and the need to ensure that the compensation process does not take advantage of individuals, especially considering the risks involved in the medical procedures.

What are some of the risks associated with assisted reproduction that the script touches upon?

The script mentions that there are risks associated with assisted reproduction, including medical risks for those undergoing procedures like IVF, egg donation, and surrogacy, as well as the ethical considerations of asking someone to take on such risks.

How does the script address the issue of access to assisted reproductive technologies?

The script addresses the issue of access by noting that not everyone has the ability to utilize these services due to factors such as cost, location, and legal restrictions, and raises the ethical question of whether it is right for some to have access while others do not.

What is the Surrogacy Roadmap mentioned in the script, and how can it be obtained?

The Surrogacy Roadmap is a resource that guides individuals through the entire surrogacy journey, explaining what to expect at each step. It can be obtained for free by clicking the link in the description box mentioned in the script.