Ethics and the reproductive process
Petrick, T.J.
Ginecologia y Obstetricia de Mexico 58(Suppl 1): 35-38
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-9041 PMID: 2276656 Document Number: 358753
Contraceptive availability and reproductive technology both represent new considerations in the ethical structures in many countries. In both developed and developing countries, debates, political protests, and court battles are being conducted as each country attempts to integrate these issues of reproductive control into their respective ethical systems. There are many ethical considerations that must be made in terms of contraceptive research and family planning programs. The UN has integrated into their policy the concept of reproductive freedom for all couples as a moral right. But what should the limitations of the right be? Things to consider are: transmission of disease to offspring, resistance to prenatal care, lack of child rearing ability, psychological child abuse, overpopulation, non-marriage i.e. singles and homosexuals. Also, who should determine these limitations? People to consider include the woman, the couple, physicians, counselors, professional groups, the clinic, ethical committees, the legislature, religious groups, or the media. Which of these groups actually make the decisions and who should make these decisions are also important questions. In terms of contraceptive research, the issue of informed consent must be considered in light of the varying cultures of the world. In the US informed consent is based on the Belmont Report which came from Congress and establishes that informed consent must be given before any medical research is allowed. Further the consent must not be coerced by intimidation or financial incentive. In terms of family planning services the ethical considerations include: attitudes of providers, attitudes of government, financial availability, role models and cultural taboos, the role of the woman, the role of the husband. Finally the AIDS epidemic adds an additional ethical aspect. Should methods be used that don't protect against AIDS?