Human in Vitro Fertilization: Lessons from Unrealized Fears and Unexpected Benets
Vol.1,No.1(2010)
During the past three decades, human in vitro fertilization (IVF) has changed from disdained technique to one which constitutes a respected branch of modern medicine. Concerns connected with human in vitro fertilization have not materialized. On the other hand, in vitro fertilization has demonstrated benefits in unexpected areas. When combined with techniques of molecular genetics such as preimplantation genetic diagnostics, it can prevent the occurrence of hereditary diseases. In vitro fertilization is greatly needed even in developing countries, despite the fact that the Third World is heavily confronted with the impacts of population explosion.
At present, many new and promising biotechnologies are fighting strong opposition from the public. The history of human IVF recurs. Even hypothetical risks are emphasized, and many future benefits are not recognized or cannot be recognized at the present state of knowledge.
The significant progress of human IVF provides us with a lesson for the evaluation of impending biotechnologies. The setting of rigid limits or imposing bans on new biotechnologies can significantly restrict the future prosperity of mankind.
biotechnology; bioethics; IVF; risks and benefits
Radko Rajmon
Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
Rajmon, Radko (born 1968 in Ústí nad Orlicí, Czech Republic)
He graduated at Veterinary and Farmaceutical University Brno. He
is interested in the topics of animal reproduction and the effects of
some environmental substances on it. He works as an associated professor at the Department of Veterinary Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague.
Miroslava Krejčová
Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
Krejčová, Miroslava (born 1983 in Prague, Czech Republic)
She graduated at Czech University of Life Science in Prague. Nowadays
she is Ph.D student at Department of Veterinary Sciences. She is
interested in the biotechnology in the reproduction of farm animals
and is participant in a teaching of the anatomy of farm animal.
Jaroslav Petr
Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czech Republic
Petr, Jaroslav (born 1958 in Kolín, Czech Republic)
He graduated from the Agricultural University, Prague. He works at
the Institute of Animal Science, Prague, where he is engaged in the
study of animal reproduction, especially in studies of mammalian
oocytes. He is a Professor at the Czech University of Life Sciences
in Prague.
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Copyright © 2014 Radko Rajmon, Miroslava Krejčová, Jaroslav Petr