Free Market Reproduction: A Utilitarian Critique of IVF and Egg Donation Ethics
Overview
This paper argues against free market reproduction practices using John Stuart Mill's Utilitarian theory. While acknowledging that IVF enables childless families to achieve happiness, the author contends that the psychological and physical suffering of egg donors undermines collective societal happiness, and proposes adoption as an ethically superior alternative.
What this essay covers
- Introduction to IVF and reproductive alternatives
- Application of Mill's Utilitarian theory to free market reproduction
- Analysis of negative impacts on egg donors versus benefits to recipient families
- Conclusion advocating adoption over market-based reproduction
Preview
Free Market Reproduction
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Free Market Reproduction
It is the wish of most people to start a family and a nuclear family. However, other people cannot give birth because of health reasons. Others may be in danger of carrying a pregnancy despite conceiving. Because of these and other reasons, health and family scientists developed the In Vitro Fertilization, IVF, where the egg of a man and a woman are joined in an experimental laboratory dish for fertilization (Nargund et al., 2017). This way, the family can have a child. However, the practice might look positive, but I do not advocate for free-market reproduction.
John Stuart Mill developed the Utilitarian theory, an ethical theory that states that an action is right if it results in society's collective happiness. Mill discourages actions that might jeopardize happiness or negatively affect the actor and the community at large. I base my argument on Mill Utilitarian theory (Cohen & Ahn, 2016). Free Market Reproduction does not result in the collective happiness of the society.
The women who donate the eggs often live with distress for the rest of their lives. Most times, the conscience accuses them that they prioritized money and sold part of the body. It is more disturbing when they see the product of their donations and sometimes wish they took back the child. Online surveys also indicate that the women who donate the eggs are ignored, and no medical attention is given to them (Ethics Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 2018).