In vitro fertilization in the theological and bioethical discource of the Christian Churches in Slovakia Cover Image

Zapłodnienie pozaustrojowe w dyskursie teologiczno-bioetycznym Kościołów chrześcijańskich w Słowacji
In vitro fertilization in the theological and bioethical discource of the Christian Churches in Slovakia

Author(s): Artur Aleksiejuk
Subject(s): Systematic Theology, Eastern Orthodoxy, Other Christian Denominations
Published by: Wydawnictwo Naukowe ChAT
Keywords: In vitro fertilization (IVF-ET); human embryo status; Catholic Church in Slovakia vs. IVF-ET; Evangelical churches in Slovakia vs. IVF-ET; Orthodox Church in Slovakia vs. IVF-ET; Christian bioethics;

Summary/Abstract: Louise Joy Brown was born on July 25th, 1978. She was the first child conceived by means of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). This year marks forty years since the birth of the first “test-tube baby”, i.e. a child conceived outside her mother’s organism. Over the last four decades, in vitro fertilization and other related artificial reproductive techniques have practically become standard medical procedures. Presently, it is estimated that the number of children conceived by in vitro fertilization has significantly exceeded 7 million people since this method was first applied. ESHRE’s reports indicate that more and more children are born by means of this method every year. The number of doctors and clinics specializing in vitro fertilization is increasing along with the number of people seeking their assistance. Many reliable sources indicate that this trend is being maintained. However, the subject of the conducted research throughout a two month stay in Slovakia was not the evaluation of the effectiveness and beneficence of in vitro fertilization as a method of treating infertility. The main objective of the research project assumed the analysis of the bioethical discourse conducted by Christian Churches in Slovakia on issues related to in vitro fertilization that is practically unknown in Poland. The research project is an essential part of extensive research conducted by the author on the reception of this issue in Christian bioethical discourse in an ecumenical context.

  • Issue Year: 60/2018
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 567-602
  • Page Count: 36
  • Language: Polish