Journal of Medical Ethics · 1996 · 14 citations · 0 references
MedicineGender StudiesObstetricsAssisted Reproductive TechnologiesFamily PlanningReproductive HealthAssisted ReproductionReproductive AutonomyReproductive EthicsReproductive Health PolicyReproductive PolicyReproductive RightsAssisted Reproductive Technology PolicyPublic Policy Limits On Assisted ReproductionReproductive Regulation
New reproductive technologies expand choices in timing, methods, and purposes of procreation, prompting society to adapt and accommodate these advances. The author examines seven reproductive technologies using a procreative liberty framework. Robertson concludes that while most reproduction will stay conventional, the nature of human reproduction has irreversibly changed, and his evaluation is well‑referenced yet controversial. He asserts.
This book is a valuable boost to the perpetual effort of society to overtake and accommodate new technology, specifically that affecting reproduction. Professor Robertson has produced in his characteristic way a well-referenced evaluation that is consistent and coherent although not without controversy. The analysis subjects seven technical interventions to scrutiny through the "lens of procreative liberty." Robertson is the first to admit that the majority of reproduction will continue in the accustomed way, but he notes that an irrevocable change has occurred in the nature of human reproduction. Technology continually adds to choice in whether (and when) to procreate, continue a pregnancy after conception, attempt to overcome infertility, widen the collaborative character of reproduction beyond the traditional father and mother couple, genetically shape offspring (and how far to go to prevent harm to those in utero), and use reproductive capacity for nonreproductive purposes such as fetal tissue transplantation. He asserts