The creation of human life can be seen as a beautiful moment between two individuals whose lives will be filled with joyous memories of raising a child. Unfortunately for some couple they are not as fortunate to share this experience. As a result they turn to various methods of having a child by ways of adoption, foster parenting, and in-vitro fertilization. Infertility affects over 6.1 million people in the United States in which a good majority of that population would want to be able to produce their own offspring[i]. For over the past 27 years, one of the best solutions to infertility is In-vitro fertilization. Although this would initially be perceived as a great alternative source for infertile individuals there also underlies the bioethical issue for those who are of a practicing religion where in vitro fertilization goes against the beliefs, moral, social standards, and the effect it plays on the child emotionally, socially, and mentally. This paper will go into depth on the topic of in-vitro fertilization and how it raises bioethical questions and the various types of religions, non-religious and health professional perspectives.
What exactly is In-vitro Fertilization?
This process of assisted fertility is when the woman’s egg is surgically removed and then placed into a laboratory dish where the active sperm has already been placed. After a period of18- 40 hours the lab dish is constantly being observed to see if fertilization has taken place, if so the fertilized egg is called an embryo. The embryo is placed into the woman’s uterus with a catheter and she is administered hormones to increase the chance of pregnancy.[ii] In certain cases one individual from the couple is not able to produce sperm or eggs, therefore there is the need of an egg or sperm donor. The men are unable to produce sufficient amount of sperm due to a low sperm count. Woman might have an impaired ovary or a genetic disease that they don’t want to be passed down to their...