AN ETHICAL COMPARISON -VITRO
FERTILIZATION under-reporting of the adverse effects.
Rev. Juan R. Vélez, M.D.
ABSTRACT
In vitro fertilization, also called IVF, is a complex
series of procedures that can lead to a
pregnancy. It's a treatment for infertility, a
condition in which you can't get pregnant after
at least a year of trying for most
couples. IVF also can be used to prevent passing
on genetic problems to a child.
During in vitro fertilization, mature eggs are
collected from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in
a lab. Then a procedure is done to place one or
more of the fertilized eggs, called embryos, in a
uterus, which is where babies develop. One full
cycle of IVF takes about 2 to 3 weeks.
Sometimes these steps are split into different
parts and the process can take longer.
In vitro fertilization is the most effective type of
fertility treatment that involves the handling of
eggs or embryos and sperm. Together, this
group of treatments is called assisted
reproductive technology.
IVF can be done using a couple's own eggs and
sperm. Or it may involve eggs, sperm or
embryos from a known or unknown donor. In
some cases, a gestational carrier — someone
who has an embryo implanted in the uterus —
might be used.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is morally
objectionable for a number of reasons: the
destruction of human embryos, the danger to
women and newborn infants, and the
replacement of the marital act in procreation.
Recent studies have shown a significant risk of
maternal death and morbidity associated with
ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome and
multiple pregnancies after IVF. Due to lack of
uniform regulations for IVF clinics, there is
NaProTechonology is one ethical alternative to
IVF for female infertility. One study has
confirmed earlier findings that
NaProTechonology results in a number of live
births similar to that of assisted reproductive
technology, without the danger to women and
newborn infants. Adoption of born children is
another ethical and praiseworthy alternative to
IVF.
There are many treatments of infertility, ranging
from those that have a minimal impact on the
natural fertile cycles to those that use hormonal
manipulation to enhance fertility to those that
completely supplant the natural means of
procreation, such as in vitro fertilization. The
purpose of this paper is not to review
exhaustively the various methods of treating
infertility and their effectiveness. Rather, the
purpose is to compare and contrast one
method—NaProTechnology (NPT)—that makes
use of a woman's natural fertile cycles, and in
vitro fertilization (IVF), which is a form of assisted
reproductive technology (ART) and which seeks
to replace the natural means of procreation.1
A medical comparison between IVF and
NaProTechnology is imperfect because their
methods and measurements are different. The
success or efficacy rate in IVF is often measured
per cycle, while in NaProTechnology it is
measured over one to two years (cohort
studies).3 However, a consideration of the acts
involved and their effects and consequences
provides some grounds for comparison from an
ethical point of view. In such a comparison what
matters most is not the positive results achieved
(live births) but the actual morality of the actions
and the risk at which women and fetuses are
placed.
The heartbreak of infertility puts couples in a the ovaries to produce multiple
vulnerable situation. Faced with the possibility eggs. This is monitored through
of a life without children, the couple seeking blood tests and ultrasounds.
advice is met with a confusing set of choices.
2. Egg Retrieval (Ovum Pick-Up):
Depending on the situation, the ethical choice is
often not evident. In vitro fertilization is the • Once the eggs are mature, a
most frequent type of assisted reproductive minor surgical procedure is
technology.4 In vitro fertilization produces the performed to retrieve them.
destruction of discarded embryos (equivalent to This is typically done
abortion), and in the case of multiple embryo transvaginally using a thin
transfer is often accompanied by selective needle guided by ultrasound.
reduction (also equivalent to abortion) of
implanted embryos. The principle reason that 3. Fertilization:
this procedure, now widely practiced throughout • The retrieved eggs are
the world, is evil is that it involves the combined with sperm in a
destruction of human embryos. Because of the laboratory dish for fertilization.
minute size of the human embryos discarded or This can be done through
the small dimensions of fetuses aborted in traditional insemination or
multiple pregnancies to reduce the risk of intracytoplasmic sperm
maternal death, these abortions draw less injection (ICSI), where a single
attention.5 Still, the willful destruction of a sperm is directly injected into an
nascent human being as a means or an end in egg.
itself is always gravely wrong. It is an affront to
the Creator and to the dignity of the human 4. Embryo Culture:
being, created in the maternal womb in His • Fertilized eggs (embryos) are
image and likeness, as the fruit of spousal love. cultured for a few days to allow
In the first part of this article we will focus development and assessment of
primarily on two other evils of IVF: the serious their quality.
risk to the lives of women, and the
manufacturing of human babies. 5. Embryo Transfer:

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a complex assisted • One or more healthy embryos

reproductive technology (ART) used to help
individuals and couples with fertility issues
conceive a child. It involves the fertilization of an
egg with sperm outside the body, and the
resulting embryo is then implanted in the
woman's uterus.
Here are the key steps involved in the IVF
process:
1. Ovulation Induction:
• The woman undergoes
hormonal therapy to stimulate
are selected and transferred
into the woman's uterus. This is
usually a relatively simple and
painless procedure.
6. Luteal Phase Support:
• Hormonal medications, such as
progesterone, are often given to
support the uterine lining and
increase the chances of
successful implantation.
7. Pregnancy Test:
 • 1A blood test is performed
approximately two weeks after
the embryo transfer to
determine if the woman is
pregnant.
Factors Influencing IVF Success:
• Age of the woman (success rates decline
with age)
• Cause of infertility
• Quality of eggs and sperm
• Overall health of both partners
Risks and Considerations:
• Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets)
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
(OHSS)
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Emotional and financial considerations
IVF has helped many individuals and couples
achieve pregnancy, but it's essential to
understand that success rates can vary. It's
crucial to consult with a reproductive specialist
to discuss individual circumstances, potential
risks, and success rates based on specific factors.
The morality of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has
been a subject of debate and discussion, often
centered around various ethical, religious, and
cultural perspectives. Here are some key points
on both sides of the IVF morality debate:
main issues that raise ethical dilemmas
following the development of assisted
reproduction techniques are: the right to
procreate or reproduce; the process of in vitro
fertilization itself — is it morally acceptable to
interfere in the reproduction process?; the moral
status of the embryo; the involvement of a third
party in the reproductive process by genetic
material donation; the practice of surrogacy;
cryopreservation of pre-embryos; genetic
manipulation; experiments on pre-embryos, etc.
Induced abortion raises ethical issues related to
the rights of the woman versus the rights of the
fetus. For those who consider life to begin at
conception abortion always equals murder and
is therefore forbidden. Those who believe in the
absolute autonomy of the woman over her body
take the other extreme approach. The discussion
surrounding abortion usually centers on whether
it should be legal or illegal. Access to safe
abortion is critical to the health of women and to
their autonomy. The development of new
effective contraceptive methods has a profound
impact on women's lives. By the use of
contraception it is possible to lessen maternal,
infant and child mortality and to reduce the
prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases.
Research and development of new effective
reversible contraceptives for women and men is
needed. Dissemination of information about the
safety and effectiveness of contraceptive
methods is of great importance. Female genital
mutilation is still practiced worldwide due to
customs and tradition among various ethnic
groups. The procedure is considered to be
medically detrimental to the physical and mental
health of women and girls, and is considered by
many as oppression of women. The practice has
to be stopped. Recognition of the fetus as a
‘patient’ has a potential effect on women's right
for autonomy; they have no legal obligation to
undergo invasive procedures and to risk their
health for the sake of their fetuses. The woman
carries ethical obligations toward her fetus. This
obligation should not be enforced by the law. At
present women bear most of the burden of
reproductive health. All of them have a right of
access to fertility regulation. Governments and
society must ensure the women's equal rights to
health care just as men have in the regulation of
their fertility.
ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF IVF:
1. Childlessness and the Desire for
Parenthood:
• Supporters argue that IVF
provides hope for individuals
and couples facing infertility,
offering them the opportunity
to experience parenthood.
2. Reproductive Autonomy:
• Advocates emphasize the
importance of reproductive
autonomy, asserting that
individuals have the right to
make choices about their
reproductive health.
3. Advancements in Medical Technology:
• IVF is seen as a product of
medical progress, and
proponents argue that
technological advancements in
reproductive medicine should
be embraced to address fertility
challenges.
4. Selective Embryo Screening:
• Some see the ability to screen
embryos for genetic disorders as
a positive aspect, allowing
parents to avoid passing on
certain genetic conditions to
their children.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST IVF:
1. Sanctity of Human Life:
• Critics often raise concerns
about the creation of multiple
embryos during the IVF process,
some of which may not be
implanted or may be discarded,
leading to ethical questions
about the sanctity of human life.
2. Natural Order and Religious Beliefs:
• Many religious perspectives
question IVF on the grounds that
it disrupts the natural order of
conception and may involve the
destruction of embryos, which is
considered morally
objectionable.
3. Commercialization of Reproduction:
• Critics argue that the
commercial aspects of fertility
treatments can lead to ethical
issues, such as the
commodification of eggs, sperm,
and surrogacy services.
4. Risk of Multiple Pregnancies:
• Some express concerns about
the higher likelihood of multiple
pregnancies with IVF, which can
pose health risks to both the
mother and the babies.
5. Eugenics Concerns:
• The ability to screen embryos for
certain genetic traits raises
concerns about the potential for
eugenic practices, where certain
traits are selected or avoided
based on societal preferences.
other reasons why IVF is wrong: BABIES ARE
TREATED AS OBJECTS CREATED IN A SORT OF
ASSEMBLY LINE WITH THE INVOLVEMENT OF
MANY DIFFERENT WORKERS AND QUALITY
CONTROL.20 The children born through IVF may
have a greater incidence of complications at
birth, and an increase in birth defects.21 These
defects may be associated with the ovarian
stimulation protocols or embryo culture
environment.22 At present there is incomplete
data on this, in part due to insufficient registries.
Large-scale systematic studies are needed to
clarify the link between genomic imprinting and
defects in assisted reproductive technology. The
risk for newborn babies is associated with the
increased incidence of twin and multiple
pregnancies due to multiple embryo transfer in
IVF. Some authors have found that an increase in
the practice of single embryo transfer in Belgium
resulted in a decrease in twin and multiple
pregnancies.23
There is a growing trend to choose babies
according to specifications such as sex24 or
maternal IQ. This contrasts with procreation in
which a baby is conceived as the mutual gift of
husband and wife to each other. The child
conceived is the fruit of their love; it is a new
person that reflects the love of its parents, not
an object. Even more, the child is God's gift to the
spouses. If the child has an illness it is still
accepted with love as a precious gift rather than
discarded as a defective object.
Another reason why IVF is wrong is that, when
there is gamete donation and parents do not
have access to the history of the donor, the
parents raising the child and the child himself
may be deprived of information on his family
background. Those who trace back their
ancestors for a number of generations have a
rewarding sense of their heritage and belonging
to a family. But every person, even without
studying his family tree, likes to know the origin
of his immediate family. People like to know
about places and activities that have ties to their
family. Not everyone is affected by the absence
of this information, but people can benefit from
the knowledge of diseases which they are at a
greater risk of suffering or transmitting. Some
countries, such as Britain, Sweden, Norway, the
Netherlands, and Switzerland have banned
anonymity in sperm and egg donation, but this is
not the case in the United States.25 A study in the
United States compared 485 adults between the
ages of eighteen and forty-five years old who
said their mother used a sperm donor to
conceive. They were interviewed with a group of
562 young adults who were adopted as infants
and 563 young adults who were raised by their
biological parents.26 Forty-five percent of those
conceived through donor gametes agreed with
the statement “The circumstances of my
conception bother me.” Almost half reported
that they think about donor conception at least
a few times a week or more often. Forty-five
percent were bothered that money was
exchanged for them to be conceived.
In vitro fertilization is wrong for another
important reason directly related to the
treatment of a child as a thing; that is, IVF
substitutes for the marital act, the unique loving
act of spouses in which God grants a soul to a
new human being. Without intending to do away
with the marital act, spouses or persons who
undergo IVF are saying something quite drastic
with their actions: the sexual and procreative act
of self-giving of the spouses is no longer
necessary. Fatherhood and motherhood, as in
the case of ovum donation or surrogate
motherhood, can be replaced by technology and
sometimes completely excluded even after the
birth of a child. Thus the parents are
unintentionally redefining the proper
expressions of human sexuality and spousal love.
As a result of assisted reproductive technology
more single women, older couples, and
homosexual couples seek to be parents, and
often the best interests of children and society
are overlooked.27
In Donum vitae (Instruction on Respect for
Human Life at its Origins), the Congregation for
the Doctrine of the Faith addressed the
legitimate desire of couples to have children:
“The desire for a child—or at the very least an
openness to the transmission of life—is a
necessary prerequisite from the moral point of
view for responsible human procreation. But this
good intention is not sufficient for making a
positive moral evaluation of in vitro fertilization
between spouses. The process of IVF and ET
must be judged in itself and cannot borrow its
definitive moral quality from the totality of
conjugal life of which it becomes part nor from
the conjugal acts which may precede or follow
it.”
Even in cases when destruction of embryos is put
aside and IVF is homologous, that is, completed
with gametes from both spouses, IVF is still
wrong because of what it does to the marital act
and the way it treats a new human being. Donum
vitae continues: “Homologous IVF and ET is
brought about outside the bodies of the couple
through actions of third parties whose
competence and technical activity determine the
success of the procedure. Such fertilization
entrusts the life and identity of the embryo into
the power of doctors and biologists and
establishes the domination of technology over
the origin and destiny of the human person. Such
a relationship of domination is in itself contrary
to the dignity and equality that must be common
to parents and children.” Physicians should
respect the marital bond between spouses, the
dignity of the marital act, and the dignity of each
human embryo by treating infertility rather than
by “making babies.”
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and surrogate
motherhood have been crucial steps in making
infertile couples experience the joy of
parenthood. It is also the case for same sex
couples and couples who, for some medical
reasons were unable to conceive children of
their own naturally. But IVF and surrogate
motherhood come with a cost; that of medical,
physical and mental difficulties that potential
candidates face in the process. More
importantly, IVF and surrogacy are associated
with fundamental moral and ethical issues such
as human embryo manipulation, physical and
psychological trauma, a possible exploitation of
women, the use of children as mere market and
commercial products in the case of commercial
surrogacy, a forced emotional detachment of
mother and child after birth and a noticeable
challenge to the structure of traditional nuclear
family. Children born out of surrogacy could also
face an identity crisis. In this paper, we want to
explore mainly these moral and ethical issues
that are associated with IVF and surrogacy.
These moral and ethical issues are particularly
important because it is about human‟s life and
the very core meaning of human existence.
Through an analytical method of enquiry, we
have discovered that IVF and surrogate
motherhood are very sensitive and fundamental
issues that need proper rigorous regulations to
remain useful to society, failure to which they
could become a source of abuse and
compromise what society has dearly fought for:
freedom and right to life.
Surrogacy and the risk of the rich exploiting the
poor Though surrogacy is often perceived as a
fair deal between rich couples who want children
and poor women who are in need of financial
assistance, such relationship could also lead to a
form of exploitation of the poor; and exploitation
is ethically wrong. For Suzan Merkens, the
relationship between rich people looking for
potential surrogate and the potential surrogate
is an exploitative one between
„employeremployee‟(Merkens, 2007).
An industrialization of women With an increasing
demand of children born out of surrogacy,
another danger is that it assists to form what can
be called industrialization of women‟s womb,
with surrogacy becoming „a gender-specific
form of industrial labor‟ (Twine, 2012)
IVF and surrogacy have also allowed women to
conceive even when they are in menopause
(Parks, 1996). A recent case was that of Eramati
Mangaayma, an Indian woman who, at the age
of 73, gave birth, by Caesarian Section, to twins
through IVF (Hotinfonow.com, 2019). She has
been married for 57 years and could not bear a
child because of infertility. Of course, her
husband and herself were happy, and their
doctor termed the event as “a medical miracle –
3. Social and Cultural Factors:
an accomplishment of modern medicine” but
reproductive physician Georg Demen of the
NiederrheinKinderwunschzentrum brought in an
important ethical issues concerning it; that of
“the mother's short life expectancy with all the
consequences for the child and also the risks
associated to old age pregnancy. H
the debate surrounding in vitro fertilization
(IVF) is complex and involves ethical, religious,
social, and scientific considerations. Here are
some key points from various perspectives:
1. Ethical Considerations:
• Embryo Status: One major
ethical concern is the status of
the embryo. Some argue that
life begins at conception, and
thus the creation and potential
destruction of embryos during
4. Medical and Scientific Considerations:
the IVF process raise ethical
questions.
• Selective Reduction: In cases of
multiple pregnancies resulting
from IVF, selective reduction
(reducing the number of fetuses
to increase the chances of a
healthy pregnancy) is a
contentious issue, as it involves
deciding which embryos to keep
and which to eliminate.
2. Religious Perspectives:
• Different religious traditions
have varying views on assisted
reproductive technologies.
Some religious groups are
supportive of IVF, seeing it as a
5. Legal and Regulatory Frameworks:
means to help couples conceive,
while others may oppose it
based on beliefs about the
sanctity of life and natural
conception.
• Access and Affordability: IVF
can be expensive, and access to
treatment may be limited by
financial considerations. This
raises questions about equity
and the ability of all individuals
or couples to access
reproductive technologies.
• Changing Family Structures: IVF
has contributed to changes in
traditional family structures,
including the ability for same-
sex couples and single
individuals to have biological
children. This has led to
discussions about the evolving
nature of family.
• Health Risks: IVF procedures
carry certain health risks for
both the mother and the child,
including the potential for
multiple pregnancies, preterm
birth, and low birth weight.
• Advancements in Reproductive
Medicine: Some argue that IVF
represents a significant
advancement in reproductive
medicine, offering hope to
couples struggling with
infertility. It has led to the birth
of many healthy children who
might not have been conceived
otherwise.
 • Regulation of Reproductive
Technologies: The legal
frameworks surrounding IVF
vary widely across countries.
Some have strict regulations,
while others have more
permissive approaches. The lack
of consistent global standards
raises concerns about the
ethical and responsible use of
reproductive technologies.
6. Evolving Technologies:
• As technology advances, new
methods and techniques in
assisted reproductive
technologies may emerge,
prompting ongoing ethical
debates about the implications
of these innovations on human
reproduction
Cons of IVF:
Once again, Donum Vitae comes to the rescue.
The document provides us five specific and
unambiguous guidelines designed to safeguard
against abuses in the field of ART that
commodify and dispose of children and abuse
the marriage bond:
1. All assisted reproductive procedures
should be performed upon married
couples only. “Respect for the unity of
marriage and for conjugal fidelity
demands that the child be conceived in
marriage; the bond existing between
husband and wife accords the spouses,
in an objective and inalienable manner,
the exclusive right to become father and
mother solely through each other” (II, A,
2). Since the Catholic Church does not
recognize homosexual marriage, it
teaches that ARTs performed on
homosexuals, either “married” or single,
are illicit.
2. The wife must contribute the egg and
the husband must contribute the
sperm. No other person must be
involved, as this constitutes
“technological adultery.” “Recourse to
the gametes of a third person, in order
to have sperm or ovum available,
constitutes a violation of the reciprocal
commitment of the spouses and a grave
lack in regard to the essential property
of marriage which is its unity” (II, A, 2).
3. Masturbation must not be required.
“Masturbation, through which the
sperm is normally obtained, is another
sign of this dissociation: Even when it is
done for the purpose of procreation, the
act remains deprived of its unitive
meaning” (II, B, 6. See also
the Catechism of the Catholic
Church 2352). Note that sperm
collection can licitly be accomplished
through “home collection,” which
consists of the use of a perforated
condom during natural intercourse.
4. Fertilization must take place inside the
woman’s body. “The origin of the
human being thus follows from a
procreation that is ‘linked to the union,
not only biological but also spiritual, of
the parents, made one by the bond of
marriage.’ Fertilization achieved outside
the bodies of the couple remains by this
very fact deprived of the meanings and
the values which are expressed in the
language of the body and in the union of
human persons” (II, B, 4, c).
5. “Spare” embryos must not be
discarded, frozen, or experimented
upon, and procedures such as “selective
abortion” (pregnancy reduction) must
not be used. “Those embryos which are
not transferred into the body of the
mother and are called ‘spare’ are
 exposed to an absurd fate, with no
possibility of their being offered safe
means of survival which can be licitly
pursued” (I, 5).
In summary, there are three general moral
principles that should be applied to each type of
ART or other procedure to assist pregnancy in
order to determine whether or not it is licit;
• Evil may never be committed in order to
achieve a good end.
• A method of assisted reproduction is
acceptable only if it serves as a means
to facilitate or help the act of
intercourse in attaining fertilization. It is
not acceptable if it substitutes for the
sexual act itself. IVF and other such
ARTs are disqualified under this criteria.
• The Church teaches
that homologous procedures may be
permissible,
but heterologous procedures, which
involve the third-party donation of
either sperm or ovum, are never
morally permitted.
ETHICAL ALTERNATIVES TO IVF
But there is certainly hope for infertile couples.
Under the above parameters, we are happy to
note that there are a growing number of
procedures that can be used licitly to help
married couples overcome difficulties with their
fertility. Even better news is that these
procedures often have a higher success rate
than IVF and its variants.
These methods include:
• Charting cycles with natural family
planning to avoid surgery altogether
• Micro-surgery, which has an amazing
success rate of 70% – 80%
• Low tube ovum transfer (LTOT), which
relocates an egg past the damaged
portion of the fallopian tube so that
fertilization occurs naturally
• Fallopian tube sperm perfusion (FSP)
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• Pronuclear stage tubal transfer (PROST)
• Sub-zonal insemination (SUZI)
• Tubo-ovarian transplantation (TOT)
• Vaginal intratubal insemination (VITI)
• Zona pellucida drilling and cutting.
One compelling argument for the pros
of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is its role
in addressing and overcoming
infertility, offering hope and the
opportunity for individuals or couples
to experience the joys of parenthood.
Here are key points supporting this
argument:
1. Addressing Infertility:
• IVF is a valuable medical
intervention that provides a
solution for couples facing
infertility issues. It allows
individuals with reproductive
challenges, such as blocked
fallopian tubes, low sperm
count, or unexplained
infertility, to have a chance at
conceiving.
2. Expanding Family Options:
• For couples struggling with
fertility, IVF broadens their
options for family building. It
serves as a pathway for
individuals or couples to have
biological children, even
when natural conception is
not possible.
3. Genetic Screening and Healthier
Offspring:
 • Preimplantation genetic
testing during IVF enables the
screening of embryos for
genetic disorders. This not
only reduces the likelihood of
passing on hereditary
diseases but also contributes
to the birth of healthier
offspring.
4. Empowering Same-Sex Couples
and Single Individuals:
• IVF plays a crucial role in
empowering same-sex
couples and single individuals
to become parents. Through
the use of donor sperm, eggs,
or surrogacy, it enables a
diverse range of family
structures.
5. Preserving Fertility for Future
Parenthood:
• IVF allows individuals to
preserve their fertility by
freezing eggs or sperm for
future use. This is particularly
important for those who wish
to delay parenthood due to
personal or career reasons.
6. Overcoming Biological Barriers:
• IVF breaks down biological
barriers to parenthood,
offering a solution to
individuals or couples who
may face challenges due to
age, health conditions, or
other factors.
7. Advancements in Reproductive
Medicine:
• The continuous development
and improvement of IVF
techniques contribute to
advancements in
reproductive medicine.
Ongoing research enhances
the effectiveness and safety of
IVF procedures, benefiting
individuals seeking fertility
treatments.
8. Positive Impact on Mental Health:
• Successfully undergoing IVF
and achieving pregnancy can
have a positive impact on the
mental health and well-being
of individuals or couples who
have experienced the
emotional strain of infertility.
It provides a pathway to
fulfilling their desire for
parenthood.
Argument: Fate of Surplus Embryos and
Personhood:
One of the significant ethical concerns with
IVF is the creation of multiple embryos, often
more than can be implanted during a single
cycle. As a result, surplus embryos may be
frozen for future use, donated to other
couples, used for research purposes, or
discarded. This raises questions about the
moral status and personhood of these
embryos.
Points Supporting the Argument:
1. Personhood Debate:
• The ethical dilemma lies in
determining when
personhood begins. Some
argue that embryos have
moral significance and should
be considered persons with
inherent rights, including the
right to life. This viewpoint is
often rooted in religious or
philosophical beliefs.
2. Potential for Discarding Embryos:
• The creation of surplus
embryos raises concerns
about their fate, particularly
when not all embryos are
implanted. Critics argue that
discarding these embryos
could be seen as ethically
equivalent to ending
potential lives.

3. Commercialization of Embryos:
• The commercial aspects of
fertility treatments, including
the potential sale or donation
of embryos, can raise ethical
questions. Critics argue that
treating embryos as
commodities may undermine
their inherent moral value.
4. Impact on Parental Decision-
Making:
• The process of deciding the
fate of surplus embryos can
be emotionally challenging
for parents. Some may feel
pressured to make decisions
about the fate of their
embryos without fully
considering the ethical
implications.
5. Risk of Misuse:
• There is a concern that surplus
embryos could be misused,
either in the context of
research practices that some
find objectionable or in
scenarios where embryos are
used without full informed
consent.