Our right to in vitro fertilisation—its scope and limits
2008

Our Right to In Vitro Fertilisation—Its Scope and Limits

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Torbjörn Tännsjö

Primary Institution: Stockholm University

Hypothesis

Do we have a right to in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment, irrespective of whether we suffer from infertility?

Conclusion

There exists a derived negative right to procreative freedom, including a right to IVF and to the exercise of selective techniques such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

Supporting Evidence

  • Having children is generally seen as a good deed.
  • Negative rights do not conflict and can be respected without violating others' rights.
  • Parents should be allowed to conceive children responsibly, even if they are not perfect.

Takeaway

People have the right to use IVF to have children, even if they are not infertile, and society should not stop them from doing so.

Potential Biases

The argument may overlook the potential societal implications of allowing unrestricted reproductive choices.

Limitations

The paper does not provide empirical data or specific case studies to support the claims made.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1136/jme.2008.024232

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