ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

What is Artificial Insemination?

A procedure in which sperm, either from the woman’s husband or a donor, is inserted
into the woman’s uterus directly rather than through sexual intercourse
It is one of many fertility options available to women who are either:
 having trouble conceiving naturally with their partner
 who want to have a child without a male partner.

History and Development

• 1790 - John Hunter first reports artificial insemination in medical literature.

• 1899 - Efforts begin in Russia to develop practical methods for human artificial insemination.
• 1909 - Human artificial insemination grows more controversial. The Catholic Church objects to
all forms of artificial insemination.
• 1939 - The first animal, a rabbit, is conceived by artificial insemination.
• Mid 1940s - Artificial insemination becomes an established industry. In Nazi Germany, doctors
performed artificial insemination experiments on Jews, gypsies and concentration camp
internees.
1949 - Scientists develop improved methods of freezing and thawing sperm.
1950 - Cornell University scientists discover that antibiotics can be added to the sperm solution
in artificial insemination processes.
1953 - the first successful pregnancy from artificial insemination of frozen sperm is reported.
1970s - The sperm bank industry is developed and aritificial insemination becomes
commercialized.

Pros

1. Single Parenthood
Provides a way for single women to become pregnant, and for single men to have a
child
Increasingly popular option for lesbian and gay couples who would like to start a family

2. First Choice
For many couples, artificial insemination is one of the first treatment methods used
when they realize that they cannot become pregnant naturally.

3. Cost
More affordable than other fertility procedures.
 4. High Success Rates
Intracervical insemination:
a process in which the sperm is introduced directly into the cervix
intrauterine insemination:
the sperm is placed into the uterus, bypassing the cervix.

- increases the chance for fertilization as sperm doesn't have to travel through the
sometimes unfriendly environment of the cervix.

Cons

1) Possibility of woman developing a syndrome

ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

2) Timing
the male partner must be able to produce a sperm sample by masturbating into a
cup

3) Doesn't Work for Everyone

- May try artificial insemination several times before becoming pregnant, while others
may never get pregnant using this technique.
- The doctor may suggest trying artificial insemination at least three to six times with
injectable hormones before moving on to another -- usually more costly and invasive
-- treatment.

Church Teaching
According to God's plan, THREE ELEMENTS are required:
- there must be love between a man and a woman
- the couple must be married
- their love must be expressed through sexual intercourse

This technique infringe the child's right to be born of a father and mother known to him and
bound to each other by marriage

They betray the spouses "right to become a father and a mother only through each other
Since the artificial insemination does not follow the laws of nature established by the Creator,
the Church opposes it, especially when the donor is not the husband
Spouses who still suffer from infertility after exhausting legitimate medical procedures should
unite themselves with the Lord's Cross, the source of all spiritual fecundity

They can give expression to their generosity by adopting abandoned children or performing
demanding services for others

Canadian Law on Artificial Insemination

"It is illegal in Canada, to pay for sperm donors or egg donors or surrogate mothers."
"It is legal, however, to reimburse them for the expenses, though the term is not defined."

Fertility Laws Still Unclear A Year After Court Ruling

A lack of government regulation overseeing reproductive technology is failing to protect

prospective parents and their would-be kids, lawyers and infertility supports group claim - 1
year after a landmark federal court ruling on the private industry