Reproductive Rights
Traditionally, reproductive rights are associated with serious complications
since it is often very difficult to clearly distinguish reproductive rights,
especially when the question of the survival of a fetus and the future of a
newborn is under a question. In this respect, the case of John and Jane involving
Gina as surrogate mother and Thomas and Diane, as donors of sperm and eggs,
and the yet-unborn child is particularly complicated since the genetic disorder
requiring gender reclassification after the birth provoked contradictions in
views of John and Jane, on the one hand, and Gina, on the other.
Basically, the decision concerning the gender reclassification should take into
consideration interests of parents and a child. In this respect, it seems to
be quite difficult to define whether it is John and Jane, who actually wanted
to have a child that should decide, or, probably, it is Gina, a surrogate mother
that should take the final decision. Taking into consideration the fact that
John and Jane are unwilling to have a child who needs a gender reclassification
and attempt to convince Gina to abortion, it is likely that it is up to Gina
to take the final decision. In fact, the reason is obvious since it is her health
and the health of the child she bears that are at stakes. For instance, the
abortion is obviously a threat to her health, while John and Jane apparently
cannot take adequate decision since they do not want this child at all. Hence
Gina should decide what will happen to the child. On the other hand, the interests
of the child should be also taken into consideration. Even though from an ethical
point of view it would be logical to wait till the puberty of a child and make
him or her to decide on the gender reclassification, it would be more logical
to let Gina decide because the postponing of the gender classification can provoke
serious psychological problems and may affect the process of the socialization
of the child since he or she will feel being different from other children (Chervenak
and McCullough, 2003). As a result, the best solution of this dilemma would
be the decision taken by Gina on the gender reclassification.
The problem discussed in this case proves the fact that age should be the factor
that permits pregnancy and parenthood via A.R.T. Obviously, age of a mother
is apparently a risk factor for a child (Duin, 1999). In spite of the progress
of the modern medicine, the older the mother is the higher is the risk of health
problems of a child. Consequently, without regulation of the age that permits
pregnancy and parenthood, the health of a child is unnecessarily put under a
serious threat. Hence, the regulation of the age factors is necessary.
Thus, taking into account all above mentioned, it is possible to conclude that
the case discussed above reveals the fact that decisions on the future of a
child should be taken not only by those people who are willing to have a child
but also by biological parents, namely surrogate mother and the age of parents
should be regulated in order to avoid risks to the child’s health.
References:
Bellieni, C. and Buonocore, G. (2006). ASSISTED PROCREATION: TOO LITTLE CONSIDERATION
FOR THE BABIES? Ethics and Medicine 22 (2), pg. 93.
Benoff, M., & Grauman, D. M. (1997). Mastering the physician integration
challenge. Healthcare Financial Management; Westchester; Jan 1997.
Chervenak, F. A. and McCullough, L. B. (2003). The Cornell University Experience.
Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy 18 (4); 217. Retrieved on November 17, 2007 from
Proquest.
Duin, J. (1999, July). Reckless reproduction? Insight on the News 15 (26), 41.
Limentani, A. E. (1999, October). The role of ethical principles in health care
and the implications for ethical codes. Journal of Medical Ethics 25 (5), 394-399.
Ascension Health (2005). Key Ethical Principles. Retrieved on
November 17, 2007, from http://www.ascensionhealth.org/ethics/public/key_principles/main.asp
Kellog Library (2003). Bioethics - Introduction and Definition.
Retrieved on November 17, 2007, from http://www.library.dal.ca/kellogg/Bioethics/definition.htm.
