ETHICAL ISSUES IN THE SURROGATE MATERNITY PRACTICE

Abstract

The assisted reproductive technology was initially considered to be a treatment tool for infertile couples. However, as it was started in time to use the uteri of other women for the embryos of the other ones, the concept of surrogate maternity appeared.

The surrogate maternity is practiced in three types. In the first type of surrogate maternity, the sperm of the spouse of the prospective mother is inseminated with the ovum of the surrogate mother. The second method is the in-vitro insemination of the ovum of the prospective mother with the sperm of her own spouse, and then transferring it into the uterus of the surrogate mother. The third method is to use the sperms and ovum of the third persons for insemination.

The surrogate maternity comes with a number of ethical problems. It is reported that this practice may induce such risks that the natural reproduction would be withdrawn, and that the female body would become and sold as a reproductive box, the natural process would be medicalized, and some risks associated with the pregnancy and delivery would likely be experienced. For such reasons, there is a need to discuss the potential losses and benefits of the surrogate maternity.

Keywords

• Surrogate maternity,Ethical ıssues,infertility,Assisted Reproductive Technologies

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