Lawson AK, Zweifel JE, Klock SC. Blurring the line between life and death: a review of the psychological and ethical concerns related to posthumous-assisted reproduction.
EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2016;
21:339-46. [PMID:
27388465 DOI:
10.1080/13625187.2016.1203892]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Posthumous-assisted reproduction (PAR), though viewed unfavourably by some, is desirable to many individuals whose partners die prior to the completion of family building. PAR is technically feasible for males and females both pre- and post-mortem and these procedures have previously been completed on numerous occasions. However, such treatment is associated with three primary ethical concerns: autonomy; beneficence; and justice for the living, the deceased, and the soon-to-be conceived. Further, there are many psychological risks of PAR which may affect all involved parties. As such, early psychological counselling of patients and surviving family members is warranted.
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