Science and tradition

I have relatives that, like most of us do, who differ from me in positions on moral matters. That is to be expected and during my more magnanimous moods I welcome such opportunity for discussion.

Most recently the topic of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) came up and not in that hypothetical "angels on the head of a pin" drinking coffee at 2 in the morning and debating the issues of the day sort of witty banter way. This was in the making a phone call to tell you we're going to do this way.

Most arguments I run into have a simple Team αλφα vs. Team βετα character to them. I take my side and you take yours and we will continue on unto the other side is convinced (a rare occurrence), one side is sufficiently bloodied by by the jabs of the other, or one or both sides grows so enraged as to believe the other to be an idiot and unworthy of continued waste time.

Oddly, for me, the IVF argument defies such simplified fisticuffs. I don't debate IVF as it stands before me - a scientific novelty, pregnant with meaning. I debate the secondary effects and leave the primary argument of its efficacy, merit, and morality to the legions of books on the subject.

Team αλφα: Why should only the supposed "perfect" parents - blessed with bodies not needing this life-giving procedure - be the only ones to experience the joys of having their own children born of their own bodies? How can you tell me I can't let science, which you will admit has licitly helped in so many other areas, give me this wondrous opportunity? Where is your heart?

Team βετα: You call this grotesque miscarriage of God's will an opportunity?! You know full well...

[Narrative voice: This is where I step into the argument like a Greek chorus commenting on the action before you.]

Let us accept the process itself as reasonable; ignoring all debatable points therein. These are my question on the "secondary effects."

1. They don't pull just a few eggs. They pull enough to implant more than one fertilized ovum and often with more to spare for a second or third try. What do you see happening to those eggs? Are they doomed to sit in medical deep-freeze for eternity? The fertility clinics sit in fear of destroying them. "We'll get sued if we dispose of them, and our contact records quickly become out of date."
2. You implant a number of eggs. So many eggs "take" that the doctor worries about your health. Do you selectively choose whom to kill? How do you choose? "Oh, let's see. I always wanted to have a sister. Shouldn't my child have a sister too?"
3. Science gave you this baby. Tests show this child will have Downes Syndrome. This is a process born of something other than natural copulation. Do the same rules apply or do you consider this a failed or flawed medical procedure that needs a do-over?

Answer the secondary questions and then work your way up. Sometimes the ideal doesn't happen and you need answers to those questions as surely as you need a spare tire. Should you get a new car when you have a blow out?