M4 Discussion: ANTH Responses

Respond to each classmate's post with two substantive responses. Always express viewpoints, disagreements, alternative views or questions in a courteous, respectful way. Take a leadership role in discussions and actively extend help to others Course Reading: Stone, Linda, and Diane E. King. Kinship and Gender : An Introduction, Taylor & Francis Group, 2018. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral(dot)proquest(dot)com/lib/empire-ebooks/detail.action?docID=5548737. 1. Nagma Antonio posted: This page automatically marks posts as read as you scroll.Adjust automatic marking as read setting This summary explores the advantages and disadvantages of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) and Non-Reproductive Technologies (NRTs), examining their implications for family definitions and their ethical, legal, and moral considerations in both U.S. and cross-cultural contexts. In recent years, the concept of family has expanded beyond traditional definitions, particularly with the advent of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) and sperm donation. The pros of ARTs/NRTs include the ability to assist individuals and couples in overcoming infertility, enabling diverse family structures, and providing options for single parents and same-sex couples to have biological children. Cons encompass the potential for emotional and physical distress, financial burdens associated with treatments, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding issues such as donor anonymity and the commodification of human life. The use of ARTs/NRTs influences the definition of family by expanding traditional notions to include varied arrangements, such as those created through donor conception and surrogacy. In the United States: Expanded Definition of Family: ARTs and adoptions have broadened the definition of family beyond traditional nuclear structures (mom, dad, children). Families now include single parents, same-sex couples, and families formed through donor gametes or surrogacy. Outside the U.S., cultural perceptions of family can differ significantly; for instance, in some societies, extended families may play a larger role, and the use of ARTs may be viewed differently based on social norms or religious beliefs. Kinship may be defined by biological ties, while others may emphasize social or communal relationships. Moral, legal, and ethical issues raised by ARTs/NRTs include the implications of donor anonymity and the rights of donor-conceived children, as discussed in the readings by Stone and king, which highlight concerns about the identity and rights of offspring in donor situations. Additionally, Provoost's video "Do kids Think of Sperm Donors as Family?" raises questions about how children perceive their connection to sperm donors, which complicates traditional family definitions and raises significant moral, legal and ethical considerations regarding the roles and recognition of donors in the family structure. One of the primary ethical concerns surrounding sperm donation and ARTs is the issue of identity. Children conceived through donor sperm often grapple with questions about their origins and the identity of their biological father. This issue is compounded in cultures where lineage and familial connections hold substantial importance. For instance, in many collectivist societies, family ties are integral to social identity. According to Stone and King, the concept of kinship can extend beyond biological ties, impacting how children perceive their relationship with their donors. In cultures that prioritize familial connections, children may feel a stronger need to establish a bond with their sperm donors, viewing them not merely as biological contributors but as part of their broader family network. For instance, in some districts, the lack of legal recognition of a donor’s role can create an emotional void for children who feel a connection to their donors but lack any formal acknowledgement of that relationship. In conclusion, the video by Veerle Provoost highlights the intricate ways in which children conceived through sperm donation view their donors within the context of family. The moral, legal, and ethical issues surrounding ARTs and donor conception become particularly pronounced in a cross-cultural context, where notions of kinship and identity vary widely. As societies continue to evolve, it is imperative to address these complexities to ensure that the rights and identities of all individuals involved are respected and acknowledged. References: Stone, Linda, and Diane E. King. Kinship and Gender : An Introduction, Taylor & Francis Group, 2018. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral(dot)proquest(dot)com/lib/empire-ebooks/detail.action?docID=5548737. Provoost, Veerle. “Do Kids Think of Sperm Donors as Family?” Www(dot)ted(dot)com, 9 Dec. 2016, Www(dot)ted(dot)com/talks/veerle_provoost_do_kids_think_of_sperm_donors_as_family? 2. Talia Johnson posted: This page automatically marks posts as read as you scroll.Adjust automatic marking as read setting There are many pros and cons associated with NRTs and ARTs. For starters, NRTs have given people the capability to have children in cases of infertility, with artificial insemination being an option when males are infertile. Another technique known as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) can be used. This is where oocytes are surgically removed from a women’s ovaries and incubated in a petri dish along with sperm and nutrients, then the embryo is implanted into a women’s uterus after a few days. A con of IVF is that women may have to take fertility drugs, which can have negative side effects. There is also always the chance that the IVF technique will not result in fertilized eggs. Additionally, remaining embryos resulting from IVF can be frozen and used at a different time. However, this poses the legal question of who has the rights over them (Stone & King, 2019). NRTs have also made it possible to determine the sex of an unborn child through karyotyping. The downside of this is that in some places such as India where male children are strongly preferred, babies are likely to be aborted if the parents know that the baby is female (Stone & King, 2019). As a result of NFTs, there are now 10 different terms to describe the concepts of “mother” and “father”, as the roles of “mother” and “father” can be fulfilled by one or more individuals. These terms include genetic mother, carrying mother, nurturing mother, complete mother, carrying/genetic mother, genetic/nurturing mother, carrying/nurturing mother, genetic father, nurturing father, and complete father. One would be a “complete” mother or father if they fulfill each of the roles (Stone & King, 2019). Stone, L., & King, D. E. (2019). Kinship and gender: An introduction. Routledge.