The ethics of fertility treatment for same-sex male couples:Considerations for a modern fertility clinic

Social and legal equality for same-sex male couples continues to grow in many countries. Consequently, increasing numbers of same-sex male couples are seeking assisted reproductive technology to achieve parenthood. Fertility treatment for same-sex male couples is an undoubtedly complex issue and raises a variety of ethical concerns. Relevant considerations include ethical issues relating to the surrogate and a possible egg donor, the commissioning same-sex couple, the welfare of the child and the fertility clinic itself. This work analyses these arguments in the context of modern fertility services, providing reflection on the evidence present and what it means for clinicians today. Herein, we argue that fertility treatment for same-sex male couples via surrogacy agreements are acceptable, subject to considerations of each individual case, as in all assisted reproductive treatment. It is in the interest of open and equal access to health services that barriers to assisted reproductive technology for same-sex male couples should be minimised where possible.</p

Reproductive tourism - a price worth paying for reproductive autonomy?

Debates concerning the degree to which reproductive technology (and, within this, assisted conception) should be subjected to control generally focus on the appropriate balance to be struck between the views of the majority in a democratic state, the need to ensure adequate protection of those directly involved, the need to ensure public acceptance of specific procedures and research and the freedom of individuals to organize their life as they see fit. While different countries espouse similar commitments to basic human values concerning the protection of life, human dignity, autonomy, and prevention of discrimination, these have not provided a means by which consensus regarding assisted conception has been achieved. Such differences facilitate ‘reproductive tourism’. This paper discusses the relationship between ‘reproductive tourism’, ‘reproductive autonomy’ and efforts to regulate assisted conception. It concludes that reproductive tourism will continue to thrive but that discussion must take place nationally and internationally to promote assisted conception procedures that avoid foreseeable harm