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?
