On Reproductive Technologies·2

Conditions of Self-Decision

Abstract

We examine some (especially feminists') criticisms against the use of reproductive technologies from the standpoint that the right of self-decision should be protected: 1. lack of information which is a precondition of self-decision, 2. burden on women and uncertainty of the outcome, 3. getting babies (not women's own health) by hurting women's body, and intervention of medical professionals, 4. obstruction to self-decision by i) compulsion and ii) social norms, 5. trespass on other persons (e. g. the whole women with infertility). These are all important and as to 1 and 4-i, the use should be restricted or prohibited unless problems pointed out are resolved, But as to 2, 3, 4-ii and 5, they are weak to prohibit the use under the principle of self-decision.