Social Policy Considerations in Noncoital Reproduction

Abstract

A review is provided of social issues posed by the reproductive technologies of artificial insemination by donor, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, surrogate motherhood, surrogate embryo transfer, and the implantation of previously frozen embryos. These issues include possible use unrelated to infertility, status of the embryo, identification of parents, donor screening and anonymity, and commercialization. The policy recommendations of Great Britain's Warnock Committee and Australia's Waller Committee are briefly discussed, as is the current absence of a comparable commission in the United States. Prompt state legislative action is proposed to establish the gestational mother as legal mother and to forbid the sale of human embryos. Action by professional organizations and a national advisory commission are recommended to formulate social policy protecting the interests of children resulting from reproductive technologies.