Kristen Lintjer Ferris State University

 Learner will be able to explain the different types of assisted reproduction techniques.  Learner will be able to explain what pre- genetic screening is and if it should be better regulated.  Learner will be able to identify a theory (nursing or non nursing) that fits the ethics of reproduction

The standard definition of infertility is not being able to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse (Van Voorhis, 2007) 8.5% of childbearing couples in the United States are involuntary infertile (Goldworth, 1999) One in 80 to 100 births are the result of IVF (Van Voorhis, 2007) (Moyers, 2012)

 Gender  Sexual history  Lifestyle  Cultural background  Society (Paul-Simon, 2011)

 Medications such as Clomid  Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI)  In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) (Medicine Net, 2012)

 Pre-genetic screening is done on embryos before transfer.  Pre-genetic screening is used to test for genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis.  It is estimated that 4-6% of all IVF cycles in the United States includes pre-genetic screening.  Should potential parents be able to select the gender of the embryo for the simple reason of wanting a boy or girl?  Pre-genetic screening can be invaluable for families that have had a child with a lethal genetic condition before. (Baruch, Kaufman, & Hudson, 2008) (Peach & Hopkin, 2007)

Jean Watson’s Model of Caring  The act of caring is central to nursing  A caring environment is one that offers the development of potential while allowing the person to choose the best action for himself or herself at a given point in time.  Establishing a helping-trust relationship (Nursing Theories, 2012)

Decision Making Theory  Loewenstein and Lerner construe emotions along with decision making phases.  Couples need to make many decisions while undergoing IVF.  Couples need to have all the options presented to them in order to make informed decisions.  Grief can go along with decision making  Couples may be forced to make decisions when they are under a great deal of stress and are physiologically vulnerable. (Pfister, H., Bohm, G.,2008) (Lachman, 2006)

 A couple had been trying to conceive a child for over a year and were unable to do so naturally. They decided to go to a well known fertility center where they were offered IVF. They went ahead with IVF and implanted four embryos. They were told that the likelihood of all of the embryos taking was very slim and they would at the most get twins. The woman is now pregnant with quadruplets and is about 26 weeks along. She is now having cervical shortening, pre-eclampsia, and is on bed rest unable to work. Think about root cause analysis, what are several causes for the woman’s health to now be failing (not counting the obvious of being pregnant).

 Fertility clinics are not regulated on how many embryos they can transfer in one cycle of IVF.  High order multiple births puts the mom and unborn babies lives in danger  Increase risk of preterm deliveries which increases the risk of post delivery complications and developmental delays for babies. (Van Voorhis, 2007)