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ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

Rels 300 / Nurs 3306 November 2014

http://www.toonpool.com/cartoons/Artificial%20Insemination%20love%20Val_22882

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Artificial Insemination withpartner’s sperm: IUI

Intrauterine Insemination: fresh sperm is produced (by partner) 1½ hours

prior to inseminationsperm specimen is assessed and washedsperm placed in a syringecatheter is inserted through cervix into uterussperm injected slowly over 5-10 minutesprocess repeated next day then progesterone suppositories twice a day for

remainder of cycle if pregnant, continued progesterone use for 13 wks.

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Fertility Drugs / Ovulation Induction

Instructions from ReproMed Clinic in Toronto: 1st day of menstrual bleeding – call office 3rd day – baseline ultrasound (on full bladder) Days 3 to 10/12: daily fertility medication injections

(puregon/pergonal); daily blood hormone levels; daily ultrasounds

At ovulation: intra-muscular injection of hCG/profasi Instructions for intercourse for next 2 days; OR,

artificial insemination for next 2 days Days 15/16 to 28: progesterone suppositories used

twice a day Day 21: blood test for progesterone level Day 28: blood test for pregnancy

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What if it is the male partner who has fertility problems?impotence, no sperm, low sperm counts, poor

sperm mobility, abnormalities in sperm morphology

need for donor sperm for Donor Inseminationcommon practice is to mix the male partner’s

sperm with donor sperm – so that both partners are still involved and there is a chance of partner paternity

introduces numerous practical & ethical issues: sperm sources; anonymity; confidentiality; payment; genetic/medical health; etc.

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http://www.anonymousfathersday.com (2:10)

www.cbc-network.org/2011/06/anonymous-fathers-day/

(court case)

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ACCORDING TO NATURAL LAW

Sexual intercourse has 2 meanings: It is a procreative act It is an expression of loving union

These 2 meanings should occur simultaneously in each act of intercourse

Neither meaning should be separated from the other

Reproductive technologies “separate the intrinsic connection between the unitive (the act of intercourse) and the procreative (the reproductive purpose of intercourse)” (p.138)

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HARMS INTRODUCED

Separation of unitive and procreativeSeparation of genetic, gestational and

social parenthoodIntrusion of 3rd parties into the intimate

relationship of partners◦ “deprives the resulting child of the human

dignity that rightfully belongs to it”◦ treats the resulting child as an object

Violates the rights of partners to mutual parenthood through one another

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Deliberate severing of genetic, gestational and social tiesSecrecy, anonymity(Similarities to adoption)Asymmetry in parent/child

relationships◦Donor sperm (donor ova, donor embryos)

Genetic & social ties interpreted according to the intentions of the adult – to be, or not to be, the social parent

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Artificial Inseminationwith Donor Sperm (DI)

Male partner is infertile, or no male partner donor semen obtained from a sperm bank

◦ sperm samples are assessed, washed, frozen, stored; purchased; shipped

◦ semen donors are anonymous; they may or may not be paid for their “donation”; currently, payment is prohibited in Canada

◦ medical and genetic screening: genetic diseases; STI’s; HIV; hepatitis; medical history for 3 generations

◦ samples frozen for 6 months, then retested◦ donor profiles; donor catalogue

Data Assisted Donor Selection = D.A.D.S.

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http://www.repromed.ca/sperm_donor_catalogue

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AI Costs

First Home Insemination Cycle:

A: Using ReproMed Donor Samples: $1,690

B: Using Xytex Anonymous Donor Samples: $1,790

C: Using Xytex Open-ID Samples: $1,990

Subsequent Home Insemination Cycle Options:

A: Using ReproMed Donor Samples: $1,240

B: Using Xytex Anonymous Donor Samples: $1,340

C: Using Xytex Open-ID Samples: $1,540

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Xytex Online:https://

www.xytex.com/sperm-donor-search/results.cfm?btnAction=Search&chkCanadian=on&isNewSearch=1

Prefer an International

Donor?

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FOR GROUP DISCUSSION:Experiences Of Children Conceived By Artificial Insemination

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“a child born in wedlock is the child of the husband and wife”

Think of your birth certificate. Who is listed on your birth certificate as your mother and father?What would it say if you were an adopted

child?What would it say if you were a child conceived

by artificial insemination by a sperm donor?What would it say if you were a child conceived

by artificial insemination using the sperm of your mother’s partner after his death?

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If you were conceived by means of artificial insemination:

What would you want to know about your origins?

When would you want to be informed about the circumstances of your conception?

What concerns might you have?Would you seek out donor or sibling

information?How would YOU feel about this?

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Newer IssuesSelf-insemination

◦“Free sperm exchange on the internet”◦ CBC Radio; The Current, Tuesday November 8,

2011◦ http://www.cbc.ca/video/news/audioplayer.html?cl

ipid=2165685820 (1st 10 minutes)

Known donorsPosthumous sperm retrievalIdentities of sperm donors

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http://www.repromed.ca/guide_to_home_insemination

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Procreative Liberty and Harms

According to Robertson, “those who would limit procreative choice have the burden of showing that [one’s] reproductive actions” would result in tangible & substantial harms

◦What sorts of potential harms might there be in artificial insemination?

◦Who might be vulnerable to being harmed by artificial insemination technologies?