Reproductive technologies in developing countries

Bioethics. 1995 Jul;9(3-4):276-82. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8519.1995.tb00362.x.

Abstract

Are there any ethical concerns about reproductive technologies that are specific or unique to developing countries? Three ethical concerns often mentioned specifically in regard to developing countries are (1), the "overpopulation argument"; (2) the limited resources argument; and (3) the ethical problem of poorly trained practitioners offering their services to unsuspecting and uninformed infertile individuals or couples. Each argument is explored in some detail, with the conclusion that ethical problems do, in fact, exist but are not unique to developing countries. Nevertheless, the difficulties relating to reproductive technologies are likely to be greater in developing countries than in developed ones because of limited resources and a larger number of poor people residing there.

MeSH terms

  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Developing Countries*
  • Female
  • Financing, Government
  • Freedom
  • Health Care Rationing
  • Humans
  • Infertility
  • Informed Consent
  • Personal Autonomy
  • Physicians
  • Population Control
  • Poverty
  • Preventive Medicine
  • Professional Competence
  • Professional Misconduct
  • Quality of Health Care
  • Reproductive Techniques, Assisted*
  • Resource Allocation
  • Social Justice
  • Social Responsibility
  • Stereotyping
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Women