An Ethical Analysis of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Mary Warnock's Philosophy

Abstract

Infertility is a significant problem for many couples. Estimates suggest that many married couples experience difficulty in conceiving and carrying a pregnancy to term. Statistically, the causes of this infertility are seemingly split between issues in the reproductive system of the man and that of the woman. The underlying causes are many and varied: low sperm count due to environmental factors; congenital abnormalities in the reproductive system; past injuries to the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes due to previous surgeries, abortions, or chemical contraceptive use; the normal decline of the woman's fertility in the years approaching menopause; and other factors that are being investigated. Identifying the likely causes of infertility is the first step in knowing whether procreating a child is possible. The gap in this research is that some philosophers from different epochs of life see IVF to be problematic in nature. They argued that the human embryo is the moral equivalent of a human adult or child and as such, is due for the utmost respect. It should never be handled or manipulated outside of the body, and it should never be subjected to research. Some think that the embryo should only be manipulated if the procedure will directly benefit the embryo itself and humanity at large. Adopting an analytic method, this paper seeks to discuss Mary Warnock's position on IVF and embryo transfer to make a philosophical inquiry into the ethical implications of Warnock's discourse in the field of IVF. Thus, following the above streamline, this paper is aimed to achieve the following: (i) To expose and present Mary Warnock's thoughts on the ethics of IVF; (ii) To analyze Warnock's thoughts on IVF from an ethical position. In the end, this work serves as a ladder to understanding the question of children having a fundamental human nature whether or not humans in their very nature are to make use of that potential is a matter of adequate scientific and moral thinking that always takes into account that the embryo is placed in that position by human action.