Science Enrichment: Assisted Fertilization What are your views on the use of assisted fertilisation techniques such as test-tube

fertilisation and embryo transfer? Do you think there should be strict rules governing their use? If so, what do you think these rules should be? Assisted fertilisation is a process whereby a sperm is artificially inserted into a womb for development, unlike the natural process of copulation whereby 3 5 million sperms are dispersed in the females womb at the same time. Test-tube fertilisation or In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a process whereby fertilisation occurs in glass, or more specifically, a test tube. Another method is embryo transfer, whereby an embryo will be inserted into a female to establish pregnancy. These methods are usually only used at last resorts. I believe that assisted fertilization does violate traditional beliefs, but through breaking new boundaries, can make a medical breakthrough. Assisted fertilisation is usually used for infertile couples. Even for normal couples, the chance for a woman to become pregnant after copulation is only 25% in each menstrual cycle at average! Needless to say, infertile couples have a near 0% chance of impregnation after copulation. Age is also a factor of infertility, as when one reaches the age of 35 to 40, his/her reproductive system will start degrading, with the women ultimately reaching the stage of menopause when no fertilisation is possible. Such emotional trauma also causes depression for these couples and their relatives. However, advanced technology has introduced assisted fertilisation which greatly solves such problems. Assisted fertilisation has enabled couples to produce babies even if they are infertile! There is no problem scientifically as even though the embryo is fertilised externally, the sperm still comes from the father while the egg comes from the mother, thus the child is considered to be a gift of nature. This can not only help build happy and healthy families, but through extensive research, the embryo may be enriched with more nutrients, allowing stronger and better children to be created. Indirectly, this solves many relationship problems such as adultery, thus resulting in fewer divorces. However, cultural beliefs that have been passed on from generation to generation go against this. A human is not perfect by nature; if one is infertile, then it is natures will that one is so. By going against the rules of fertility, we are also going against nature, the root of our intelligence in the first place. Many traditional Chinese women would rather have sons than daughters. Why is it so that they do not go for artificial insemination or IVF? This is because the Chinese believe in fate and destiny, which decides whether one, can conceive a male child for her entire life. I believe that assisted fertilisation goes against the natural process of evolution. After all, it will be the altering of birth conditions, thus children produced through such ways can be considered artificial or fake. Yes, I did mention that assisted fertilisation still involves natural components of the human body, but how can an artificial process of combining natural components be categorised as a purely natural process then? Yet again, continued support will not only lead to the increase in usage of such

methods, but ultimately, the creation of artificial humans themselves. The offspring of such processes will often be emotionally hurt by the fact that they are merely prototypes instead of true, non-genetically modified humans, used for a much greater outcome in the purpose. These methods degrade our human race entirely, putting technology before nature when we, nature, should be controlling technology. There should be strict rules governing their rules. After all, they cannot be used because of extremely minor reasons and excuses. Overuse will lead to overdependence, thus humans will eventually lose the natural ability to reproduce (may not be the case, but ability still degrades). The first rule I will set is: Parents must tell their children about the truth behind the fertilisation process before they reach the age of 12. Secrets cannot be kept forever; it is universally known that the most important secrets have to be revealed someday. The child has to know his or her true identity, as this is to allow him to understand his existence beforehand such that the impact on him will be smaller than expected. After all, it can be his or her pride to be different from others, one brought into the world solely to bring happiness and joy. This is also to prevent future exploitations, which may cause disputes and controversies that affect every single individual created through assisted fertilisation. The second rule I will create is: Parents must have valid (in the law) reasons to use assisted fertilisation. After all, some couples are frustrated by the fact that they are unable to have a baby even through various attempts, thus resorting to this tedious method in a moments folly. Why change the natural cycle of humans when they are able to reproduce naturally? These couples should be given a chance to reflect and think about their decision rather than acting rashly. On the other hand, truly infertile couples can use assisted fertilisation as a means for having children. Every human has the right to desire, but how the desire is achieved is another thing. Children are the source of happiness for many parents and I believe infertile couples who are unable to have children envy others. Assisted fertilisation gives them a chance to change their life for the better, their sealed fates into the brighter ones. After all, this enables them to have equal chances at having children as other couples, eliminating the barriers between both social groups.

The process of IVF, whereby the sperm in inserted into the egg artificially and later put into a test tube.

Sources:

http://www.thehealthage.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/IVF.jpg http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/facts/assistedconception.htm http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/conception/ivf/assisted-conception-and-ivftreatments-20080515-2eln.html