Who Are the Legal Parents? Recommendations on embryo mix-up cases
“Last year, a woman who had undergone in vitro fertilization was found to be carrying a fetus that was not genetically related to her and her husband,” write Hastings Center President Vardit Ravitsky, Shelly Simana of Stanford University, and I. Glenn Cohen of Harvard Law School in the Journal of Medical Ethics.
This embryo mix-up took place in Israel, but similar incidences have occurred around the world, and they are ethically and legally complex. The authors explore approaches to addressing legal parenthood in such cases, with one overarching recommendation: resolving them “should be done proactively through the establishment of legislation and guidelines, rather than relying on post hoc individual court decisions.” Read more. (Subscription required.)
In a separate essay in BioNews, Ravitsky delved into the Israeli case, noting its bioethical challenges and potential lessons. “IVF has only been around for the past 44 years, and we have not yet developed robust moral intuitions to cope with the distinction between genetic mother and birth mother, unprecedented in the history of our species.” Read the essay.
International Award: Bioethics Service in the Face of Challenges Mark Kuczewski honored for "monumental contributions"
Last week, the International Association of Bioethics recognized Mark Kuczewski for his unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of undocumented individuals within health care and medical education. Kuczewski is the Michael I. English, S.J. Professor of Medical Ethics and director of the Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics at the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago and a Hastings Center fellow. Read more.
Looking Forward and Outward in These Critical Times Help advance our mission
Since 1969, The Hastings Center has been a leading voice in addressing emerging questions in bioethics, while inviting the broader public to help inform our work. Across these topics, new value conflicts and moral uncertainties continually arise with the emergence of novel technologies, increased focus on ethical issues related to population (in addition to individual) health, and political polarization confronting our society. Philanthropy supports about 45% of our efforts to respond to today’s most pressing ethical challenges confronting society. As we consider how we should illuminate and help address these challenges, will you help advance our mission with a gift this year? Read a letter from Hastings Center President Vardit Ravitsky. Learn more and make a donation.
Upcoming Events
TODAY! Rebuilding Trust in Science. December 7.
Since before the pandemic we have been experiencing a breakdown in trust in science and health care. Explore the reasons for this crisis, with authors of a new Hastings Center special report on trust, who will show a path forward to heal our fractured society.
The Intersection of AI and Health Care. January 18, 2024.
Hastings Center President Vardit Ravitsky will speak at the 2024 Rothenberg Speaker Series, a virtual event.
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