Module 4
1. Module 4
1.18. Page 3
Module 4—From Fertilization to Birth
Reflect and Connect
The opinions surrounding reproductive technologies are based on individual experiences and exposure to the issue in question. In North America, no restraints are placed on families in regard to the number of children they can have. In 1979, China implemented a one-child policy to deal with the country’s growing population and the resulting social and environmental problems. The Chinese government reviewed this policy in February of 2008, at which time it was decided to maintain the implementation of the one-child policy for another ten years.
Write a reflection of how this policy would impact your family (present and future) and society if it were implemented in Alberta. How could this policy be enforced or adhered to? What are the reproductive technology implications that would result from such a policy? Should families be taxed based on the number of children they have? Would this be based on the assumption that the impact of a family with more children would be greater on society and the environment than a family with fewer children? Submit your reflection to your teacher for feedback.
Reflect on the Big Picture
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Fertility Case Study Update
Every individual and couple needs to make the final decision about the extent to which they will use reproductive technology. Not only are the ethical and moral issues important to consider, but the cost of treatments, like in vitro fertilization, can be approximately $10 000/treatment, thereby making this option one that is not affordable for all couples or individuals.
The two remaining couples from the Fertility Case Study, who have not been able to conceive, have each made a decision about the route they wish to follow to have a family. Because Karl and Olga already have two children in their family from Karl’s first marriage, they have decided to investigate extending their family through reproductive technologies or through adoption.
Maria and José decided to use reproductive technologies to help them become pregnant. Maria is now pregnant with twins.
Going Beyond
Reproductive technologies always bring with them controversy—ethical and moral issues related to their use. What do you believe are the ethical and moral issues relating to the use of reproductive technologies? What have governments in Canada done to deal with the concerns about the use of reproductive technologies? First, see if you can find any government legislation or policies in Canada, or any other country, that deal with the use of reproductive technologies. Then, do a comparison of those you find.
Module 4: Lesson 4 Assignment
There is no assignment for this lesson.
You may wish to consult with your teacher about which questions on page 534 of the textbook would provide you with a good review of this lesson. Your teacher can provide feedback for your responses.