Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)

Biological Science 2

2012

ART strategies Artificial insemination (AI) In vitro fertilisation (IVF) Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ISCI) Pre implantation genetic diagnosis

(PGD) Donor gametes (sperm and/or ova) Surrogacy

Artificial insemination

Usually used in conjunction with donor sperm

Sperm is inserted directly into the uterus

In vitro fertilisation

Useful for:– Women with blocked or damaged fallopian

tubes– Couples requiring donor ova– Cases of male infertility due to low sperm

count or poor motility

Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection Used in cases of abnormal sperm in

conjunction with IVF Ova are collected A single sperm cell is injected into the

ovum, fertilising it

Pre implantation genetic diagnosis Carried out in conjunction with IVF Following fertilisation, the zygote is

grown for several days At the 8-16 cell stage, 1 cell is carefully

harvested & genetic analysis is carried out

Only healthy zygotes are transferred into the mother

Donor gametes

Used in cases where either parent is unable to produce normal gametes or when they know that they carry a genetic disease

Donor eggs requires the use of hormones to cause superovulation & minor surgery to collect the eggs

Surrogacy A second female carries the pregnancy to term for a

couple, generally carried out in conjunction with IVF Suitable for women who are infertile following a

hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), uterine abnormalities, or who are unable to undergo a pregnancy due to serious health reasons (also used by gay couples)

In Australia:– Paid surrogacy is illegal– The woman who gives birth is the legal mother- the first

woman must then adopt the child

Questions1. It is possible for 5 people to contribute to

the birth of a child- an infertile couple (the parents), a sperm donor, an egg donor, and a surrogate. What are the rights of each of these people? What are the rights of the resultant child?

2. What financial incentives should there be for gamete donors or surrogates?