Ethics of Sperm Donor and Fertilization Cases

Which side of the sperm donor and fertilization debate do you take? Why?

In 1997, Bobbi McCaughey gave birth to seven babies. This world record was a result of her taking Pergonal, one of the fertility drugs linked with a spike in multiple births. As for the Mandy Allwood case that occurred in 1998, this was the first publicized octuplet pregnancy. Ms. Allwood miscarried, but her sensationalized pregnancy raised ethical and practical questions. Compare the McCaughey and Allwood cases. Do you think that one is more morally problematic? Why? Both McCaughey and Allwood cite religious beliefs as the rationale for their decisions. Should religious belief take precedence over health? Explain.