Family Matters

In Search of an Argument

While techniques like in vitro fertilization and practices like surrogacy have already enabled the rise of non-traditional parenting, the author of the article speculates that new reproductive technological advances will further break the paradigm. Shelly, from her perspective in the field of genetics, and Peggy, from her perspective as a health care professional raise the threshold question of whether or not public policy is developing fast enough to keep up with the pace of scientific change. The discussion also focuses on the implications of being able to design the genetic makeup of your yet unborn child and the priorities involved in devoting precious resources to genetic experimentation as opposed to other urgent medical care matters. There is the additional and related question of the economic privilege exercised by individuals who employ these reproductive technologies. Among the unrelated tangents that the fearsome foursome gets off on are the question of what constitutes selling out and what is the ethical difference between having sex with a robot and having sex with a vibrator. The latter subject cries out for further exploration.

Recommendations

Peggy recommends Two Chicks sparkling citrus margaritas

Shelly recommends mood polish

Jim recommends Wasp Network on Netflix

John recommends being a surrogate