Sally and Francesca are a married (lesbian) couple. They would like to begin a f

Question

Sally and Francesca are a married (lesbian) couple. They would like to begin a family. Both have blocked fallopian tubes and therefore cannot use artificial insemination. They have thought about adoption but would prefer to have a child who is related to them biologically. They have decided to avail themselves of in-vitro fertilization - with Sally being the donor and Francesca being the one who would carry the pregnancy to term. They have a friend who has agreed to be the sperm donor and also serve as a godfather/uncle to the children. The reproductive technologist has explained to them that in order to achieve a successful pregnancy they have to implant several fertilized ova, hoping one will attach to Francesca's uterus. However, there is a possibility they could all attach (all four) and result in multiple pregnancy. This carries its own risks. Sally has other health complications, and can't be the gestating mother. Francesca as propensity for borderline high blood pressure. Thus - if there are multiple pregnancies - they will need to selectively abort some to achieve a successful delivery of the others. They ask for an ethics consultation to see what they should do. Pretend you are an ethicist and have been requested to provide an ethical consultation.

Drawing on insights from our readings - what issues might you raise and/or respond to that are present in this case?

Are there ethical issues about a non-traditional couple parenting?

Are there issues about selectively aborting some of the embryos?

Are the use of reproductive technologies to replace natural procreation inherently problematic from an ethical perspective?

Explanation / Answer

Issues are that Francesca has prpoensity of borderline high blood pressure so she cannot carry multiple pregnancies but selective abortion of fetus is prohibited and should not be used in practice.

Ethical issues are such as physiological growth near homosexual parents

Selective abortion of some embryos is the main issue because you just cannot simply kill a child which is to be born plus abortion is banned in some parts. From my point of view the best idea would be to adopt a child and not take such a risk.

Actually reproductive technologies to replace natural procreation are not at all problematic because some females are not capable of dooing it so does it mean they cannot have a child.Never. That is where methods like invitro fertilization come into place.

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