Ethical Topics: Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

The NHMRC Ethical Guidelines on the use of assisted reproductive technology in clinical practice and research (2007) (ART Guidelines) deal with the ethical aspects of research and clinical practice of assisted reproductive technology.

From the Adelaide Centre of Bioethics and Culture, detailed information about ART and the ethical concerns of the destruction of embryos.

From The Conversation (opinion) this article argues the case of legalising commercial surrogacy for the protection of women and children.

From the BBC, a simple explanation of IVF (in vitro fertilisation).

Understanding and evaluating the effects on gestational surrogacy on women's health and rights.
From topics as diverse of poverty alleviation, psychological attachment, and moral exploitation, reaching a personal opinion on outsourcing surrogacy is not an easy matter.

Editorial article discussing the view from the Vatican about ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology)
It (instruction) opposed all technological interventions into the process of human reproduction. More specifically, the document condemned artificial insemination and embryo transfer, in vitro fertilization, and surrogate motherhood under all circumstances.

This information explains why the Church believes that IVF is wrong.
But children are not engendered by technology or produced by an industry. Children should arise from an act of love between a husband and wife, in cooperation with God. No human being can "create" the image of God. That is why we say that human beings "procreate" with God. Engendering children is a cooperative act among husband, wife, and God himself. Children, in the final analysis, should be begotten not made.

Reference in the Catechism.

Donum Vitae: Respect for Human Life in Its Origin and on the Dignity of Procreation
Original document.
Biomedical research and the teaching of the Church.

A summary and explanation to the questions arising from the Donum Vitae.

Explanation from the Queensland Centre for Bioethics written by Ray Campbell, director of the centre.

The Instruction Dignitas Personae on Certain Bioethical Questions was released by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in December 2008. This new Vatican document about in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and embryo experimentation is an update of a document written twenty years ago, Donum Vitae (1987), and seeks to address the questions raised by recent developments in biomedical research.

Search here for a table of contents, index and how to read the Catechism as well as a search box for the Catechism.

The online Bible.