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Ethics at the Beginning of Life, 2003
The V Annual Swedish Symposium on Biomedicine, Ethics and Society was held on June 2-3 in Sandhamn.
The new reproductive biology - Technical possibilities versus ethical and legal concerns.
Professor Lars Hamberger
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Göteborg University
Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Abstract of keynote lecture
During the last 30 years artificial reproductive technologies (ART) have developed enormously. The birth of the first test tube baby in 1978 is now followed by the birth of more than 1 million children, where this technique has been applied. Whether or not it is the right of an infertile couple to be treated on expense of the society or insurance companies, is one of the most controversial questions solved in different ways in various countries. For economical reasons hormonal stimulations and replacements of many embryos have resulted in an improved success rate, but on the expense of a high incidence of multiple pregnancies. Selective embryo reduction or delivery of premature children with high risks for sequele, is the consequence of this policy.
Freeze preservation of embryos for prolonged time is another technical possibility, which may involve ethical problems. Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) is of importance for avoiding certain genetic disorders, but can naturally also be misused. Social sexing is just one example. Breaking the genetical link between parents to be by using donor gametes, embryos or transplanted gonads may have an important and positive place among the new techniques already applied, but involves no doubt ethical problems. The most discussed dilemma in connection with these techniques is mothers at high age, maybe above 60. How fit are they to take care of a small child? Within short reproductive cloning will most likely be the next major controversial technical innovation with clear both ethical and legal complications.
In summary the new reproductive techniques have made it possible for almost everyone to become a parent, but this development must be closely associated both legal and ethical considerations.
Organizers
The Vth annual Swedish symposium on Biomedicine, Ethics and Society was organized with financial support from the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (ELSA program), the Foundation for Health Care and Allergy Research, Ethics in Health Care Programme and the Swedish Research Council.
More information:
Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics
Uppsala Science Park
SE-751 85 Uppsala
Fax +46 18 50 64 04
Josepine Fernow, Co-ordinator, josepine.fernow@crb.uu.se
Associate Professor Anna T. Höglundl, anna.hoglund@crb.uu.se
