Ivf Essay
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In vitro fertilisation (IVF) marks a great step forward in medical technology, and Australia is a leader in the field. IVF is now a popular procedure for couples who are infertile or are having trouble conceiving. However, it raises ethical, moral and legal issues including the rights of an individual, property rights, the definition of human life, scientific experimentation versus a potential human life, religion, costs, and community, medical and taxpayer’s rights.
The process of IVF involves mixing the woman’s egg and the man’s sperm outside of the woman’s body, usually in a petri dish. Invitro fertilisation literally means ‘fertilisation in glassware’. If the fertilisation is successful, the formed embryo is transferred to the woman’s uterus after 2-5 days. Usually, multiple embryos are transferred to improve chances of implantation and pregnancy. Australia’s first ‘test-tube baby’ was Candice Reed, born on 22nd June 1980.
IVF is appropriate in certain circumstances, including: • The fallopian tubes are so badly damaged that the woman has become near infertile. This may be due to Endometriosis, a condition where pieces of uterine tissue leak out of the uterus into the Fallopian tubes, which causes infertility. Under these circumstances, IVF is the only satisfactory treatment as it completely bypasses the Fallopian tubes. • Unexplained fertility is another problem, considering that 10% of infertility is due to unknown causes. IVF has a high success rates in these circumstances. Couples who are infertile due to an unknown cause and have been investigated can enter the IVF program after one year of infertility.
Before a couple can commence with IVF, they must first go through a selection procedure. This includes: • Blood tests to ensure that the female and male are healthy and free from Rubella, HIV and Hepatitis. It also tests hormone levels; • Ultrasound must be carried out, to ensure there are no cysts on the ovaries and no
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) marks a great step forward in medical technology, and Australia is a leader in the field. IVF is now a popular procedure for couples who are infertile or are having trouble conceiving. However, it raises ethical, moral and legal issues including the rights of an individual, property rights, the definition of human life, scientific experimentation versus a potential human life, religion, costs, and community, medical and taxpayer’s rights.
The process of IVF involves mixing the woman’s egg and the man’s sperm outside of the woman’s body, usually in a petri dish. Invitro fertilisation literally means ‘fertilisation in glassware’. If the fertilisation is successful, the formed embryo is transferred to the woman’s uterus after 2-5 days. Usually, multiple embryos are transferred to improve chances of implantation and pregnancy. Australia’s first ‘test-tube baby’ was Candice Reed, born on 22nd June 1980.
IVF is appropriate in certain circumstances, including: • The fallopian tubes are so badly damaged that the woman has become near infertile. This may be due to Endometriosis, a condition where pieces of uterine tissue leak out of the uterus into the Fallopian tubes, which causes infertility. Under these circumstances, IVF is the only satisfactory treatment as it completely bypasses the Fallopian tubes. • Unexplained fertility is another problem, considering that 10% of infertility is due to unknown causes. IVF has a high success rates in these circumstances. Couples who are infertile due to an unknown cause and have been investigated can enter the IVF program after one year of infertility.
Before a couple can commence with IVF, they must first go through a selection procedure. This includes: • Blood tests to ensure that the female and male are healthy and free from Rubella, HIV and Hepatitis. It also tests hormone levels; • Ultrasound must be carried out, to ensure there are no cysts on the ovaries and no
Bibliography: Internet: www.abc.net.au/health/features/infertility/ivf.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/in_vitro_fertilisation.htm www.aph.gov.au/LIBRARY/pubs/RN/2000-01/01RN03.htm Books: Winston, R, The IVF Revolution: The Definite Guide to Assisted Reproductive Techniques, London, 1999 Pyers, G and Gott, R, Fertility Rights: The IVF Debate, Australia, 1993 Newspapers: The Sydney Morning Herald (May 2006)