Abstract This paper examines the issues surrounding 'In Vitro' fertilization. It describes what it is medically, who is eligible for this treatment, and the legal ramification of conceiving a child outside the biological uterus. The author writes that IVF often causes birth defects in children.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Infertility and In VitroFertilization Causes of Infertility
Indicators for IVF (in vitrofertilization)
Steps in the IVF Treatment
Positive and Negative Effects of IVF Treatment
Conclusion
From the Paper "In vitro treatment is often used as an infertility treatment because "IVF offers couples who cannot have children naturally" a chance of having a baby? and even though fertilization takes place outside the woman's body, the couple will still experience the process of natural pregnancy and conception, as well as the opportunity to conceive their own child. In vitro fertilization also prevents the problem of custody over a child that usually happens when couples adopt or subsist to surrogacy, wherein the child was conceived in another woman's womb (fertility Confidential 2001). These problems are not only legally demanding, but also emotionally straining to couples that have used these measures to have their own child."
Abstract This paper discusses the advanced reproductive technologies that enable In VitroFertilization (IVF). The author describes the various possible reasons for infertility and indicates that IVF is a favorable solution to such problems. He further examines the advantages and disadvantages of IVF.
From the Paper "With only a 40 percent chance of survival, Lance Armstrong, a noted racer bicyclist, was determined that his name live on?not through newspaper clippings, magazine articles, nor even through awards earned at the Tour de France. Armstrong wanted a child. So, although he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer, he had the foresight to freeze some of his own sperm. Thanks to his planning, in October 1999?his wife gave birth to a healthy son. And Armstrong, having overcome the cancer, can enjoy a baby that would have possibly been only a pipe dream had his wife not been fertilized with her husband's sperm. (Shifting 78). Had his child been cloned, the likelihood of that child suffering cancer in his lifetime could have been avoided.
?By applying decades of expertise in IVF [in vitro fertilization], it's possible to make cloning as safe and efficient for people as are other reproductive technologies. ?Some IVF physicians already screen human embryos by plucking out one cell and checking it for specific mutations before placing the rest of the embryo in a woman's uterus.? (Travis 250)."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the artificial method of reproduction, in vitrofertilization, or IVF. Reasons why one might turn to IVF are listed as well as the usual pre-requisites clinics doctors might require before IVF treatments can commence for a couple. The author describes the process of getting IVF treatments and also touches on the objections that some Christian groups have regarding IVF.
Outline:
The Process
Controversy
Bibliography
From the Paper "In Vitro Fertilization is an artificial method of reproduction, usually used when other attempts at assisted reproduction have been tried without success. In Vitro fertilization usually involves ripening the female's eggs, then removing them from the body, and then fertilizing them outside of the female's womb. The eggs are then replaced within the womb; several are usually inserted at once, since this makes it more likely that a pregnancy will result."
Abstract This paper reviews the technique of in-vitrofertilization, discusses basic reproductive science and describes all of the alternatives for increasing the chances of conception. The paper also discusses the conditions which cause infertility, the various infertility tests and conventional fertility treatments.. The paper then takes a look at the pros and cons of IVF, along with its successes and failures.
Outline
I. Introduction:
A. Infertility Definition.
B. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).
C. Ethical Bombshells and Pertinent Statistics on IVF.
II. The Process of In-VitroFertilization:
A. Suppression and Developing Eggs.
B. Retrieving Eggs.
C. Developing Embryos.
D. Transferring Embryos.
E. Preparing the Uterus.
F. Pregnancy Tests.
III. Fertility Options:
A. Fertility Drugs.
B. Intrauterine Insemination.
C. Microsurgery.
IV. Two Case Studies:
A. The Case of Charlie Whitaker--the decision to create human life to save another human life.
B. Aaron Zitner and questions on this case.
C. The Case of Joshua--using IVF to obtain bone marrow.
D. Questions on this case.
V. Conclusion:
A. The Present and Future State of IVF.
B. A Final Defense of IVF.
From the Paper "Generally speaking, there exists four specific options which an individual/couple may use instead of in-vitro fertilization. First of all, some may opt for fertility drugs which affect the ovulation cycle and bring it up to par with normal processes. These drugs are usually superovulatory, such as Gonal F or Follistim which are given by injection and often require close monitoring. As a supportive note, this approach has succeeded in getting millions of women pregnant who otherwise never would have conceived in a natural way. Second, intrauterine insemination has been used for many years and is usually done by injecting semen directly into the uterus prior to ovulation. This is often done in tandem with superovulatory drugs in order to increase the rate of success.Third, for women with endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes, microsurgery can often clear up the problem for a healthy pregnancy. However, the success rate is around fifty percent and even when successful, the fallopian tubes can at times become re-blocked which would require more surgery. Fourth, men who are found to be infertile due to blockages can receive microsurgery on the transport tube found in the penis. The effectiveness with this technique is also around fifty percent (Elder, 215).
Obviously, after all of this discussion, it is abundantly clear that in-vitro fertilization deserves to be considered by those individuals/couples who have experienced much difficulty in conceiving a child. "
Abstract This paper deals with the issue of in-vitrofertilization (IVF) - a practice of assisted reproductive technology that is now practiced all over the world. The author describes the process of IVF, the ethical issues that surround it as well as the pros and cons of the treatment. There are also two case studies included in this paper that defend the use of the IVF procedure.
Outline:
Introduction
The Process of In-VitroFertilization Fertility Options
Two Case Studies -- Defending IVF
From the Paper "Since the mid 1980's, this problem (at least according to some people) has become part of what is now known as assisted reproductive technology (ART), "a family of medical procedures that rely on advanced technology to achieve fertilization and pregnancy without intercourse." And within this "family," one procedure, now practiced all over the world, has generated great controversy and debate, namely, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), "a multi-step process in which a woman's eggs are grown with the aid of superovulatory drugs, retrieved from the ovaries at their peak, fertilized with sperm in lab dishes, and then transferred to the uterus in order to achieve pregnancy" (Elder, 79).
"Not surprisingly, in-vitro fertilization has generated quite a few ethical bombshells, one being a prominent fertility doctor who used his own sperm for insemination which resulted in seventy-five pregnancies (Flynn, 97). Thus, the scope of the problem related to unethical behavior is large since in-vitro fertilization is a huge,
worldwide industry which continues to expand every single year. The Office of Technology Assessment has estimated more than one billion dollars was spent in 1987 on infertility treatments by an estimated 2.5 million American couples."
Abstract This paper outlines the morality issue behind in vitrofertilization. The paper begins by explaining the concept of IV, so that the reader understands what specifically the method refers to. The paper then goes on to list and explain the various moral issues associated with the IV medical practice, including the biological, ethical and religious significance.
Contents:
Thesis
Introduction
In Vitrofertilization Literature Review
Fate of the Embryo
Parental Rights
Cryoprecipitation
Human Embryo Research
Genetic Screening
Eugenics
Commercializing Reproduction
Multiple Births
Surrogacy
Religion
The Child
Conclusion
From the Paper "In 1978 with the birth of Louise Brown, the first child conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), man finally realized his power to create, not passively through instinctual processes but consciously and actively. [Daar 1999] The desire to have children is strong in the human heart and infertility is a serious and painful issue. There are however more aspects to having a child than mere desire and the means by which the child is created is amongst the most important. Over the past few decades science has allowed individuals biologically otherwise incapable of reproducing, to make or have children by artificial methods such as in vitro fertilization."
Abstract This paper examines how today's medical science is capable of things only imagined in the past and how one of these is to freeze a man's sperm and impregnate a woman with it at some future time. It looks at how this practice raises many ethical issues as far as the legal professions are concerned, primarily informed consent, ownership of the sperm and many other issues. It shows how it also raises issues for the medical profession as well and examines the role of the nurse in relation to her ethical obligations and the moral issues imposed upon her concerning this tricky moral issue.
From the Paper "The role of the clinical nurse in practice is that of a patient advocate (ANCI, 2002). She cannot let their own feelings interfere with the professional relationship between herself and the patient. Let us consider another case. Soldiers in the US who are getting ready to deeply of the Persian Gulf are depositing their sperm in a sperm bank to be used to impregnate their wives or other designated person in the event that they do not return from war (Reitman, 2003). This is a very different case from a legal and nursing standpoint as the dead person has made legal arrangements for this to happen. In this case, performing the procedure violates no law, and it is obvious what the wishes of the dead person were. This is very different than the case being explored where to perform the procedure directly violates a court order."
Abstract In this paper, the writer notes that in the past few decades, several advanced current-day fertilization techniques for women that have difficulties conceiving children have emerged at the forefront of medical technology. The writer points out that medical professionals are now able to prescribe a few different treatment options for women that are unable to get pregnant naturally. If treatment has not resulted in pregnancy after four to six menstrual cycles, fertilization techniques may be considered. The writer concludes that it appears that different techniques have roots in in vitrofertilization, which is predicted to see improvements over the next few years. The writer maintains that the future of human fertilization appears bright.
Outline:
Introduction
In Vitro (test tube) Fertilization Third Party Donor
Gametic Intra-fallopian Transfer
Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Conclusion
From the Paper "Currently, in due to improvements in ultrasound imaging, surgery is no longer necessary for most in vitro fertilization patients. Technological progress has allowed for the use of a sonographically-guided needle to replace the surgical procedure which previously was used to recover eggs. This procedure, called Transvaginal Oocyte Retrieval, requires neither hospitalization nor general anesthesia. Instead, the woman undergoes about two weeks of intensive preparation, including hormonal therapy with fertility drugs. Blood tests and ultrasound scans of the ovaries are used to determine the optimal time to retrieve the eggs from the ovary, and at the proper time, an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia will allow the female's eggs to be visualized by ultrasound and retrieved from the ovary by placing a needle through the vaginal wall. The woman experiences pain similar to a pap smear and is able to return home and resume normal activities. The embryologist places the sperm with the eggs when they are ready for fertilization, maintaining them in a laboratory dish in a nutrient mixture which acts as a substitute for the environment that would otherwise have been provided by the fallopian tubes."
Abstract This is an opinion paper in which the writer argues that in vitrofertilization is morally wrong because it results in meaningless reproduction and may potentially result in the misuse or abuse of life and even death. It supports this thesis by arguing that in vitrofertilization allows man to overstep his authority over creation, that it opens the door to temptation and morally objectionable practices, and that it increases the potential for needless destruction of life.
From the Paper "In vitro fertilization is a common reproductive procedure that generally falls under the scope of biotechnology. It is a process that is condemned by the Catholic church and often criticized by lawyers and ethicist despite the number of live births that result from the procedure . Despite this condemnation, there are hundreds of thousands of individuals that partake in IVF procedures every year, in the hope of bringing 'new life' into the world. Even members of spiritual communities have gone against tradition and the recommendation of church elders to participate in IVF. The increase in use and potential for abuse is alarming."
Abstract In this paper, the writer discusses that there are a number of methods that have been developed with varying degrees of success to help women who have difficulty becoming pregnant. The writer points out that these include some of the most contemporary technologies, such as in vitrofertilization (IVF), intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and various other procedures. In essence, the writer explains that assisted fertilization refers to technologies and techniques that can be used to enhance sperm-egg interaction. This paper outlines some of the most prevalent and contemporary of the infertility techniques in use today. The writer concludes that the suggestion is that reproductive cloning will advance, in a similar fashion to the acceptance of techniques like IVF, and that new techniques will be developed to improve upon existing methods of infertility assistance.
Outline:
Introduction
In VitroFertilization (IVF)
Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
GIFT: Gametic Intra-fallopian Transfer
Other Techniques
New Techniques and Reproductive Cloning
From the Paper "There are a number of advantages to this procedure, including the fact the embryo can be fertilized inside the oviduct in its natural environment. The process also takes only about an hour and can also be performed on an outpatient basis."
"There are a number of variations to both GIFT and in vitro fertilization that are important to note. These include blastocyst transfer, or the transfer of a more mature embryo; as well as the use of donor eggs from another woman and the use of a surrogate mother and the transfer of frozen embryos."
Abstract An argumentative paper about the negative side of IVF. The writer claims that the IVF process entails killing off too many embryos to justify the low success rate that the process produces. This paper gives a summary of the process and explains why the line needs to be drawn between aiming to get a woman pregnant and disposing of the unsuccessful embryos.
From the Paper "Scientist has discovered a process that enables couples that are infertile to bare children. This process is called in vitro fertilization. Some say that in vitro fertilization is a life-giving miracle that gives two individuals the opportunity to bring a life into the world; however, others say that it is playing God. Although in vitro fertilization appears to be a blessing for couples that are unable to have children, it is nothing more than infanticide in disguise."
Abstract This paper examines how using different sources of human embryonic stem cells for research raises different ethical problems and how experimenting on embryos created for in vitrofertilization but left unused, or embryos, created specially for research raise ethical questions. It provides a literature review to present the main arguments for and against using different sources of human embryonic stem cells and to learn about possible alternatives to human embryo research.
Outline
Introduction
Does Using "Spare" Human Embryos For Research Mean a Lack of Respect for the Embryos?
Is Using Embryos Created for Research Purposes Morally Worse Than Using Existing "Spare" Embryos for Research?
What Are the Ethical Problems Related to Therapeutic Cloning?
What Could Be the Alternatives to Embryo Research in Order to Avoid or Minimize Ethical Conflicts?
Conclusions
References
From the Paper "The other two sources of embryos raise serious ethical questions, namely, whether using "spare" human embryos for research means a lack of respect for the embryos and whether using embryos created for research purposes is morally worse than using existing "spare" embryos for research. The application of the technique of the somatic cell nuclear transfer, in its turn, raises a question on what ethical problems relate to creating human embryos by means of this technique. For example, the polls in the United States show that there is quite a big public controversy over human embryonic stem cell research and therapeutic cloning. The polls also show that the public remains in the dark about the scientific issues related to embryonic stem cell research. "
Tags: genetic, engineering, tissues, organs, in, vitro, fertilization
Abstract This paper, regarding stem cell research, begins with some statistics about how Americans feel about the topic. The writer explains how their opinions are distorted because they do not know the facts. Then the facts about in-vitrofertilization and stem cell research are presented. Next, the paper examines the controversy surrounding the issue, including a history of legislation and a quote from President Bush about how it is morally wrong. The writer argues that it should be legalized in government labs and concludes with a persuasive paragraph supporting stem cell research.
From the Paper "It has been estimated that over 100 million Americans and more than two billion others worldwide suffer from major diseases that may potentially be treated or even cured by advances in stem cell research. These diseases include diabetes, heart disease, leukemia, and certain types of cancer. Indeed, stem cell research has been projected to possibly provide treatment for numerous different disabilities, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, and even arthritis. Considering the vast number of people suffering from these afflictions, it is safe to say that every person in America knows someone who could benefit from this controversial research opportunity. So why is support for stem cell research so low?"
Abstract The paper discusses embryonic stem cells, in vitrofertilization (IVF) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) that can be used as the first step in the process of human cloning and argues that science of any kind that can be harmful to the development of human life is in direct conflict with the will of God. The paper contends that stem cell research gives way to many different possibilities in genetic manipulation, which ultimately is "playing God".
From the Paper "Since its beginning, stem cell research has been a controversial topic. Stem cells are pluripotent (to be able to give rise to any mature cell type) cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into an immeasurable range of cell types (Modell, 2007). The primary moral justification for promoting research with human pluripotent stem cells is that such research has the potential to lead to direct health benefits to individuals suffering from disease (Robertson, 2001). The challenge is in permitting research on human embryonic cells while still showing respect for human life, and essentially God."
Tags: in, vitro, fertilization, somatic, cell, nuclear, transfer, cloning, embryos
Abstract This is a detailed and illustrated paper on using organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers on plants. Results of experiments concerning this topic are included with the paper.
From the Paper "Organic fertilizers can provide enough nutrients to plants, that is the reason why the plants can grow well. Also the organic fertilizers can change the structure of soil and create a good drainage system, and well-ventilated environment which can be a better place for microorganisms to survive. The organic fertilizers contribute a lot to the growth of plants, but they still have some disadvantages. If one adds too much organic fertilizers, the plants will die because the concentration of organic fertilizers is very high."
