Embryos, Ethics, and Women's Rights : Exploring the New Reproductive Technologies

Diverse points of view on the new reproductive technologies are represented in this thought-provoking volume, bringing together clinical and personal perspectives on reproductive technologies while keeping women and their lives visible throughout. A host of procreative possibilities are explained and debated—in vitro fertilization, genetic manipulation of embryos, embryo transfer, surrogacy arrangements, prenatal screening, and the associated ethical, legal, social, and psychological concerns. The contents of this volume grew out of two conferences on the new reproductive technologies, “Embryos, Ethics, and Eugenics: A Brave New World?” organized by York College of CUNY and “Women and Reproductive Technologies” organized by the Women''s Studies Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Will procreation become just another commodity in the marketplace with “designer” sperm, ova, and embryos offered for sale? Will the attention and monies focused on the new reproductive technologies take away resources from infertility prevention, prenatal care, and adoption? If states move to regulate such practices, will this encourage widespread governmental interference in reproductive choice? How will society look at the biologically unique children who are the products of genetic manipulation--and more importantly, how will these children view themselves?

This controversial book explores the answers to these questions that are frequently being asked as the battles over reproductive technologies and freedoms become more heated and touch more people’s lives. Embryos, Ethics, and Women’s Rights examines both the clinical and personal perspectives of reproductive technologies. Experts explain and debate the growing number of procreative possibilities--in vitro fertilization, genetic manipulation of embryos, embryo transfer, surrogacy, prenatal screening, and the fetus as patient. Some of the leading authorities in the field, including John Robertson, Ruth Hubbard, and Gena Corea, address the ethical, legal, religious, social, and psychological concerns that are inherent in the issues.

Essential reading for every person concerned with control over basic issues of human destiny, Embryos, Ethics, and Women’s Rights provides unique and comprehensive coverage on the subject of technologically controlled childbearing and particularly its effects on mothers and their unborn children.