Towards the Medicine of Desires? Artificial Fertilization and Human Dignity (trans. P. Mikulska)

Manfred SPIEKER

Institut für Katholische Theologie, Universität Osnabrück, Villa Zangenberg, Schloßstraße 4, 49074 Osnabrück, Germany , Germany

Patrycja MIKULSKA

John Paul II Institute, Faculty of Philosophy, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 14, 20-950 Lublin, Poland , Poland

Abstract

The author presents the debate, held in Germany, on the anthropological, ethical, legal, psychological and sociological aspects of the assisted reproductive technologies, evaluating them against the criterion of the personal dignity of the human being. He argues that the human embryo, possessed of human dignity, is a subject of rights. He also claims that the conception of a child in a sexual act constitutes a right of both the child and his or her parents. Reflecting on the status of contemporary medicine, the author observes that to a large extent its goal is no longer to cure diseases but to fulfil human desires, such as the wish of parents to have a child. However, he also recognizes among German specialists in medicine, ethics or law an on-going change in the attitude towards assisted reproduction: from uncritical acceptance towards the recognition of its negative aspects that become subjects of public debate. Among the ideas that contributed to this change the author indicates, along with the Catholic Church moral doctrine, the views recently presented by representatives of the German Protestant Churches, as well as by feminist scholars.

Summarized by Patrycja Mikulska

Keywords:

in vitro fertilization, medicine of desires, person, dignity, human rights, feminism