Response to George Parker

Abstract

George Parker quite rightly claims that the focus of the debate about ARTs needs to be on women’s health, rather than on abstract philosophical questions regarding for instance the personhood of embryos, as this is a central moral concern that is not always taken as seriously as it should be when it comes to surrogate motherhood and egg donation. We also think reproductive justice is a helpful framework for evaluating current practices in these matters. In particular, we share Parker’s concerns about the import of gametes from less regulated jurisdictions. The risk that the gametes have been gained in coercive or exploitative situations is a real one. The right of any child born of donated gametes to know his or her genetic origins also precludes sourcing anonymous gametes. Willing, registered donors are required regardless of whether gametes are imported or donated locally. It may be possible to extend the range of potential donors beyond New Zealand borders if a similarly regulated system was willing to export gametes.