Ethical Implications of Male Infertility Treatment

Although assisted reproductive technology has become more acceptable, there is still lingering controversy over the ethical implications of male infertility treatment. These ethical debates raise questions and objections pertaining to religion, law, morality, health and business.

Religious Objections

Religious objections tend to center around the collection of sperm and the mode of conception. Some faiths contend that sperm collected through the act of masturbation violates the laws of God that are found in scripture. 

Some faiths object to assisted reproduction, because conception is not confined to sexual relations between the parents. In some faiths, conception is believed to result from the love that accompanies sexual intercourse. Some also argue that the only reason to engage in sexual intercourse is for procreation. 

Legal Implications

Legal battles do exist surrounding the custody of children conceived by donor eggs or surrogacy. Currently, the law favors the woman who gives birth. It does not make a distinction between the genetic biological mother and the surrogate mother. Couples who use a surrogate to carry an embryo to full term can lose rights to the child upon birth. 

Moral Objections

Some groups object to assisted reproductive technology on moral principles. They cite this is a precursor to genetic manipulation, in which parents could customize and design a child. Other groups believe that couples should adopt an already existing child. They state that there are too many children in foster or orphan care that could benefit from a home with parents. Another societal moral debate is whether or not same sex couples should be allowed to use assisted reproductive technology.

Profitable Commodity

Some groups fear that ovum and sperm have become commodities. They believe the sale of sperm and egg, along with the use of surrogacy, decreases the value and diminishes the respect for human life. 

Disease and Genetic Defect

There is a growing fear that sexually transmitted diseases, such as  HIV, could be transmitted via donor sperm that has not been carefully screened. There is also a concern that congenital birth defects and disorders could result from the use of donor sperm.

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