Artificial insemination: ethical and legal issues

Abstract

Ethical and legal issues related to artificial insemination (AI) are considered. The psychological problems of children conceived with the help of AI with donor sperm according to an anonymous or open program are discussed. Attention is drawn to the peculiarities of the legal aspects of preliminary cryopreservation of sperm of young cancer patients who are to undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as well as military personnel of “special risk”. The article describes the legal difficulties of posthumous reproduction that arise when AI is performed with the sperm of a deceased husband. The position of the Orthodox Church on the issues under consideration is stated.

Keywords

artificial insemination with sperm from a donor or husband / anonymous and open sperm donation / children's rights / cancer patients / military personnel of "special risk" / preliminary cryopreservation of sperm / posthumous reproduction

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