Fundamental ethical issues in assisted procreation

Abstract

The development of In Vitro Fertilisation (lVF) is a perfect example of how medical science has outpaced morality and ethics. Reproductive technology, while offering enormous benefits to infertile couples, has opened up a veritable Pandora's box of ethical dilemmas. Louise Brown, now 21 years of age, was the first IVF baby born in England. Here in Malta our first IVF baby was born only a few years ago in what could well be described as a legal and ethical vacuum. For while Science and Technology have forged ahead, Law and EthicS have lagged behind. So, in launching this document on Reproductive Technology (or, should it be Assisted Procreation?). the Bioethics Consultative Committee has taken a decisive step towards remedying this deplorable state of affairs.