El. knyga: Environmental Ethics and Medical Reproduction

"In order to reproduce by medical means, gametes-the sperm and eggs-must be taken from the human body. Oftentimes this requires the use of pharmaceuticals to enhance or stimulate fertility. Once gametes are taken, they require storage. After the appropriate diagnostic tests are run, gametes are used for inseminating procedures such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or artificial insemination (AI). Gamete retrieval and storage are part of the early phases of medical reproduction (MR). Each of these steps have many substeps along the way. This chapter will detail some of the processes of MR prior to insemination that use resources and release carbon emissions. It should be noted that not every phase of the MR spectrum are used by all clients. Some people mayavail themselves of gamete retrieval but do not proceed to storage; others may eventually use the stored gametes for fertilization but not have a live birth. Some will have an MR birth without needing to use a neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU), while other medical consumers will use every aspect of the MR spectrum. Regardless of which MR procedures are used, carbon is emitted from a variety of sources in each step. It should also be remembered that people using the MR industry are not necessarily suspected to be, or diagnosed with, infertility. Since the MR industry caters to lifestyle choices surrounding reproduction, it eagerly serves preferences of fertile people who want a particular reproductive experience, as well as the preferences of the infertile. Both can, and do, use MR prior to insemination"--

Carbon emissions of global health care activities comprise 4-5% of total world emissions, placing the health care industry on par with the food sector. The United States health care industry in particular expends an estimated 479 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year -- nearly 8% of the country's total emissions. Health care impacts the environment through the use of resources needed to cure, treat, and prevent diseases; by extending lifespans; and by facilitating new births. In this book, Dr. Cristina Richie evaluates "medicalized reproduction" (MR) from an environmental perspective. From pre-conception gamete retrieval to in-vitro fertilization (IVF), to birthing suites, MR has an enormous carbon footprint. But, unlike other areas of high-carbon health care, such as organ transplantation or chemotherapy, medicalized reproduction does not treat, cure, or prevent disease. It is supported by an economized medical industry, and as such, is open for ethical scrutiny.

Richie first situates MR within environmental ethics. Part I analyzes the numerous resources used for medical reproduction, emphasizing that MR is a voluntary lifestyle choice. Part II offers policy suggestions for sustainable MR, remaining sensitive to some individuals' desires to be parents coupled with the global push for medical and climate justice. The conclusion recognizes the obligation for environmental sustainability in all areas of life, including health care and family life.

In Environmental Ethics and Medical Reproduction, Dr. Cristina Richie uses the term "medicalized reproduction" (MR) to describe the impact of technology on human reproduction, including from pre-conception gamete retrieval, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), and birthing suites. Unlike other areas of high-carbon health care, such as organ transplantation or chemotherapy, medicalized reproduction does not treat, cure, or prevent disease. It is supported by an economized medical industry, and as such, is open for ethical scrutiny. This book considers how technology has fundamentally changed the discussion on biomedical ethics, environmental ethics, and reproductive ethics.