The Pros And Cons Of In Vitro Fertilization

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), is a reproductive technology involving an egg being removed from a woman, and joined with the sperm cell from a man. This process all happens in a test tube, for the intent of controlling those who suffer from problems with fertility (Pbs.org, n.d.). The cells then join together in a process called meiosis, where they then divide to form an embryo. IVF is most commonly used for those who would otherwise be unable to have children, including blocked tubes, same sex couples, or infertility, and allows a couple to still undergo the natural child baring processes (Createhealth.org, 2015). Since IVF began in 1978, it has assisted more than 5 million babies to be conceived and given birth to, calculated from mid-year in 2013 (Brian, 2013). Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a genetic screening test used on IVF embryos to look at individual cells that will help determine specific genetic information that could affect a particular couple’s family genetics. It can also be used to screen for chromosomal abnormality disorders. Couples are then able to select certain embryos they would like to implant based on …show more content…
The ethical related advantages to using this technology include the knowledge of the incidents of inheritable diseases by the couple and the assurance to general abnormalities. Due to the serious consequences of genetically inherited illnesses many parents would like the reassurance that their child was born safely and outcome for their future life and needs. With every 4 million children born each year, 140,000-160,000 of those children will be born with a genetic disorder. (Matthews, 2010) Couples who also ensure they so not have genetically inherited diseases can use this technology in search for general abnormalities than are not inherited. For example, Downs Syndrome can be, but more commonly is not inherited. (Genome.gov,