Monday, September 19, 2011

Right to life vs right to found a family

"A right to 'found[ing] a family' is clearly stated in Article 17 of the American Convention and in Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Several other countries in the Americas, such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico that have laws reflecting 'right to life' beliefs allow IVF and therefore their citizens are able to make their own decisions on use of IVF and related technologies.

"During debates in Costa Rica, some opponents have actively advertised on radio and targeted couples who may be seeking IVF across borders. One advertisement used a young girl's voice: 'Hi. I'm Sofie, the third of three brothers and sisters. Though my parents love me with all of their hearts, I know that for me to enter the world, seven of my siblings died in a laboratory.'

"Giving existence to the unborn by redefining embryos as family members could be argued as a form of scaremongering that uses fear and guilt to strengthen the position of those opposing IVF. These tactics target a highly stigmatised, vulnerable and disabled group (infertility is internationally recognized as a disability). It was heartening to see that the Costa Rican Government had these advertisements removed." BioNews

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