Reproductive tourism - a price worth paying for reproductive autonomy?

Abstract

Debates concerning the degree to which reproductive technology (and, within this, assisted conception) should be subjected to control generally focus on the appropriate balance to be struck between the views of the majority in a democratic state, the need to ensure adequate protection of those directly involved, the need to ensure public acceptance of specific procedures and research and the freedom of individuals to organize their life as they see fit. While different countries espouse similar commitments to basic human values concerning the protection of life, human dignity, autonomy, and prevention of discrimination, these have not provided a means by which consensus regarding assisted conception has been achieved. Such differences facilitate ‘reproductive tourism’. This paper discusses the relationship between ‘reproductive tourism’, ‘reproductive autonomy’ and efforts to regulate assisted conception. It concludes that reproductive tourism will continue to thrive but that discussion must take place nationally and internationally to promote assisted conception procedures that avoid foreseeable harm.