Reproductive technology and allied issues

Abstract

Conception used to be closely linked to sexual intercourse. Conception did not occur without sexual intercourse; and one could not count on being able to have sexual intercourse without conception. One of the most significant changes in recent years is the acquired facility to control reproduction. Couples can now plan the number of children they would like to have and, if they so wish, determine to remain childless. In other words, with modern contraceptive methods it is possible to have sexual relations without the risk of conceiving a child. But now we are faced with a new twist to the revolution. With recent developments, the plight of some infertile couples can now be alleviated. Where childlessness occurs not by choice, it is now possible using new technology to enable a woman to become pregnant and give birth to a child which may be genetically the child of one, both, or neither of the partners. In other words, with modern technology ordinary sexual relations are no longer fundamental for the establishment of a pregnancy. With contraception, sexual relations are no longer sufficient for the conception of a child (although the sufficiency was always tempered by infertility and the fact that not every copulation results in a procreation); with the new technology, sexual relations are no longer necessary for the conception of a child.