1. Ethical and moral issues
As an advanced reproductive medicine technology, IVF technology has triggered a controversy on ethical and moral issues. First, IVF technology involves the implantation of artificially fertilized embryos into the mother, which may make individual women become fertility tools and deprive them of the right to choose independently. In addition, genetic selection in IVF technology has also caused many disputes. Through genetic screening, healthy, intelligent or other embryos with specific traits can be selected, but whether this violates the principle of equal life and raises questions about human fundamental rights.
Secondly, there is a paradox in IVF technology. The treatment of multiple births in one child has become an ethical problem. Some patients may obtain multiple embryos in one attempt. However, due to legal and ethical reasons, they usually only implant one embryo into the mother, and the remaining embryos will be frozen or destroyed. This choice is difficult for people to accept, because in religious and ethical concepts, embryos are regarded as living individuals.
Finally, the IVF technology has also triggered controversy about the gestational age. Mothers assisted by IVF technology tend to be older and may be older than the traditional childbearing age. This increases the risks faced by pregnant women and their fetuses, such as the increased incidence of prenatal complications. At the same time, higher age may also have a long-term impact on maternal health. However, the advantages of IVF technology make many older couples choose to accept the technology, which further exacerbates the controversy.
2. Social equity
The IVF technology has also triggered controversy on the issue of social equity. The cost of this technology is so expensive that only some wealthy families can afford it. This has led to a further widening of the ethnic, socio-economic gap in our society. In addition, although more and more IVF centers provide help for couples with infertility symptoms, many low-income families still cannot afford this treatment. This inequality has increased the distinction between poor families and rich families.
In addition, IVF technology has also raised concerns about fertility and population. Some people believe that the popularization of IVF technology will lead to excessive population growth, which will have a negative impact on society. They worry that with the continuous development of IVF technology, people's demand for fertility will expand indefinitely, which will increase the pressure on resources and the environment.
Finally, the popularization of IVF technology may also lead to changes in the social structure. Traditionally, human reproduction mainly depends on the natural way, that is, sexual behavior between men and women. However, the emergence of IVF technology makes reproduction very selective. This may lead to some unexpected social and cultural changes, such as changes in family structure and the evolution of parent-child relationship.
3. Children's identity
IVF technology also brings about the problem of children's identity. For children born through IVF technology, their gene sources may become complicated. Some families obtain embryos by means of sperm donation or surrogacy, so that children may have multiple biological parents or biological mothers at the same time. This has brought confusion to children's family relations and identity.
In addition, children may find themselves as test tube babies during their growth, which may have an impact on their self-identity. They may feel lonely or different, or they may face other forms of discrimination. They need to face various pressures and expectations from peers, families and society, which may have a negative impact on their physical and mental health.
Although IVF technology is a life-saving technology for infertile couples, we also need to pay attention to the possible mental health problems of children caused by this technology, and provide corresponding support and education.
4. Medical risks and regulatory issues
IVF technology has caused controversy on medical risks and regulatory issues. Although the success rate of IVF technology is increasing, there are still some medical risks in the process of artificial fertilization and embryo implantation. Such as implantation failure, occurrence of pregnancy complications and possible genetic defects after the birth of the baby.
In addition, IVF technology also involves regulatory issues. In some countries and regions, the regulations and standards of IVF technology are not uniform. This may lead to differences in medical quality and improper operation and management. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a sound regulatory mechanism and legal system to ensure the safety and reliability of IVF technology.
IVF technology has brought many disputes, such as ethical issues, social equity issues, children's identity issues, medical risks and regulatory issues. Although this technology has brought hope to infertile couples, we must be aware of the ethical and social problems and actively seek solutions to promote the sustainable development of IVF technology.
