As-yet-unreleased document calls for guidelines
for fertility doctors but stops short of stringent
regulations.
A highly anticipated report on human reproductive
technology will call for enhanced guidelines for
fertility doctors and bans on radical procedures such as
creating animal-human hybrids but will stop short of
seeking regulations on the fertility-enhancement
industry, according to the Washington Post.
And that makes the report, not yet released by the
presidential bioethics commission that drafted it, a
mixed bag in the mind of Daniel McConchie, director of
public relations and public policy at the Center for
Bioethics and Human Dignity.
"Reproductive medicine is the most unregulated of all
of medicine, and this promotion to try to create a
professional ethic within the community of reproductive
doctors is a welcome call," he said.
But he was quick to add that there is much to be
concerned about.
"The American Fertility Association was happy about
the fact that the council decided not to address or
recommend any kind of restrictions on egg and sperm
donation or surrogacy arrangements," he said. "Some of
these aspects are things that we really need to begin to
discuss and place some limits on."
Brad Mattes, executive director of the Life Issues
Institute, said the report should be studied by
pro-lifers everywhere.
"Be aware of just where technology is leading society
and be watchful when pro-life legislation comes before
Congress," he advised. "Contact your representatives and
let them know that you support that life-affirming
legislation."
