Case Studies in the Ethics of Assisted Reproduction, by Louise P. King & Isabelle C. Band, Switzerland: Springer Cham, 152 Pages, Ebook, 978-3-031-41215-8

Abstract

"Case Studies in the Ethics of Assisted Reproduction" explores the moral and ethical implications of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, and genetic screening. These findings outline ethical dilemmas, including the importance of informed consent, and highlight a multidisciplinary approach involving law, bioethics, reproductive endocrinology, and reproductive biology. Using case studies, the findings address ethical challenges in ART practice, such as the transfer of embryos affected by genetic diseases, non-medical sex selection, and the provision of fertility services to patients with medical comorbidities. The findings also emphasize the importance of education and training for new practitioners and the development of ethical guidelines for new technologies such as germline gene editing and same-sex reproduction. The main findings of this book include three essential aspects. 1) There is an urgent need for comprehensive and detailed ethical guidelines to ensure that every action conforms to high moral standards. 2) Transparent informed consent is essential so the patient truly understands and agrees to the procedure. 3) Before implementing a new technology in clinical practice, the risks and benefits must be thoroughly evaluated to ensure patient safety and effectiveness. The main conclusions indicate that ethical considerations must always be in line with the latest technological developments in the field of ART to ensure responsible and ethical practice. These findings are a valuable resource for educational institutions, health professionals, law and ethics scholars, policymakers, and the general public interested in the ethical complexities of assisted reproduction.