Reference no: EM131474464

Sally and Francesca are a married (lesbian) couple. They would like to begin a family. Both have blocked fallopian tubes and therefore cannot use artificial insemination. They have thought about adoption but would prefer to have a child who is related to them biologically. They have decided to avail themselves of in-vitro fertilization - with Sally being the donor and Francesca being the one who would carry the pregnancy to term. They have a friend who has agreed to be the sperm donor and also serve as a godfather/uncle to the children. The reproductive technologist has explained to them that in order to achieve a successful pregnancy they have to implant several fertilized ova, hoping one will attach to Francesca's uterus.

However, there is a possibility they could all attach (all four) and result in multiple pregnancy. This carries its own risks. Sally has other health complications, and can't be the gestating mother. Francesca as propensity for borderline high blood pressure. Thus - if there are multiple pregnancies - they will need to selectively abort some to achieve a successful delivery of the others. They ask for an ethics consultation to see what they should do. Pretend you are an ethicist and have been requested to provide an ethical consultation.

Drawing on insights from our readings - what issues might you raise and/or respond to that are present in this case? Are there ethical issues about a non-traditional couple parenting? Are there issues about selectively aborting some of the embryos? Are the use of reproductive technologies to replace natural procreation inherently problematic from an ethical perspective?