Reproductive Technologies

1. Reproductive Technologies by John Luo 9SC1

2. What are Reproductive Technologies? • A reproductive technology is a generic term used to refer to any technology that is or will be utilised in some way in reproduction of animals and humans. • Most reproductive technologies are categorised as Assistive Reproductive Technology, which refer to artificial methods of achieving pregnancy.

3. Examples of Reproductive Technologies Examples of assistive reproductive technologies include: • IVF (in vitro fertilisation) • Cloning • Fertility medication

4. In Vitro Fertilisation • In Vitro Fertilisation, commonly known as IVF, is the process in which both sex cells are removed from the body and fertilised outside of the human body, generally in a fluid-filled petri dish. • The name In Vitro Fertilisation comes from the Latin in vitro, meaning in glass.

5. In Vitro Fertilisation – Method I • Firstly, the woman’s ovaries are stimulated to mature many eggs at once, generally by using the hormone FSH. • After the multiple eggs have ovulated, they are retrieved using a needle. • The eggs and sperm are prepared for fertilisation by removal of any surrounding cells and the removal of seminal fluid.

6. In Vitro Fertilisation – Method II • The eggs and sperm are combined in the prepared fluid and left for approximately 18 hours. • Next, suitable embryos are selected and finally, they are inserted into the woman’s uterus.

7. In Vitro Fertilisation – Ethics • Many people, especially Catholics, are opposed to IVF, believing it violates the laws of life. • Religious opposition states that artificial fertilisation is unethical due to the belief that it avoids the purpose of marriage; the creation of a new life through the unity of a man and a woman.

8. Cloning • Cloning is the process in which a new organism is made using the DNA of another organism. • This means that the new organism will be genetically identical to the “parent” organism. • Cloning is generally performed using somatic cell nuclear transfer, or SCNT.

9. Cloning – Method I • The nucleus of a cell other than a sperm or egg cell is taken from a cell sample. • The nucleus of an egg cell is removed from the egg. • The nucleus of the first cell is inserted into the egg cell without a nucleus. • The new nucleus will be reprogrammed by the rest of the egg cell and will begin to divide.

10. Cloning – Method II • When the egg cell has developed sufficiently by itself, it is inserted into a surrogate and will attach to the lining of the uterus. • Growth of the foetus will continue as normal.

11. Cloning – Ethics • Similar to its opposition of IVF, the Catholic Church condemns cloning, as they believe that life starts at conception, which never takes place during the cloning process. • The issue of identity also arises in the ethical debate concerning cloning. As a clone is genetically identical to its parent, there may be a lost sense of identity and uniqueness. • Due to these ethical concerns, human cloning for reproductive reasons has not been performed and is illegal in many countries of the world.