Bioethics in Faith and Practice, Volume 4, Number 1

14 The Ethics of IVF Donors, surrogates, and new combinations of gametes Since IVF distances reproduction from the physical act of sex, it enables couples to conceive in ways no longer limited by anatomical practicalities. A summary of possible combinations of gamete donors and surrogates can be found in table 1. A full treatment of every possible situation is beyond the scope of this paper, as is the discussion of whether homosexual couples should become parents. Instead, I will briefly outline the IVF-specific issues associated with 1) gamete donation, 2) surrogacy, and 3) new combinations of gametes, eg. sperm + sperm and egg + egg. Gamete donation Artificial insemination using donor sperm has been practiced since at least the late 1800’s, 28 and the first known egg donation occurred in Australia in 1983, just five years after the first IVF birth. 29 Gamete donation provides couples with poor gamete quality the possibility of obtaining a child who is at least partially related and who can be carried to term by the would-be mother. While common, this practice raises significant ethical and legal questions regarding the relationships among the donor, recipients, and offspring. 28 Willem Ombelet and Johan Van Robays, "Artificial Insemination History: Hurdles and Milestones," Facts, Views & Vision in ObGyn 7 (2015), 137. 29 Daniel Shapiro, "Payment to Egg Donors is the Best Way to Ensure Supply Meets Demand," Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology 53 (2018), 73-84.