Assignment Task: Marion is a 30-year-old woman with cystic fibrosis who is involved in a lesbian relationship with Sandra, 15 years her senior. They would like to have a child. Sandra has been tested and determined to be infertile. Though Marion is fertile, her medical condition places her at high risk during pregnancy and delivery.
Sandra is a successful lawyer, and Marion inherited some money from her parents. Since the couple can afford the technology, they present themselves at an infertility clinic, where they are interviewed by a nurse and an infertility specialist.
Marion and Sandra ask for IVF. They would like eggs from Marion's ovaries to be retrieved and fertilized by donor semen. Once there is successful fertilization, they would like the embryos transplanted into Sandra's healthy uterus. Since Marion is concerned about passing on the genes for cystic fibrosis, they also request genetic testing on the embryos, and the destruction of any having those characteristics.
Question 1: What ethical and social questions does this case raise for you?
Question 2: What are the rights of the various parties:
a. The couple
b. The nurse
c. The physician
d. The potential donor
e. The offspring?
Question 3: How might various cultures view this scenario and the opportunities this technology offers?