Ethical and legal problems with assisted reproduction in Turkey

ABSTRACT

In vitro fertilization [IVF] and embryo transfer [ET] studies in Turkey are being carried out by the units of certain university and private gynecology clinics in some provinces. Embryos developed in vitro in labs can be transferred into uterus pr, if it is not realized, can go on developing in vitro, can be used for research purposes, discharged like aborted through induced abortions or kept frozen for use later. All these applications have important medical, legal and ethical problems in them. The aim of this study is ethical evaluation of related legislation in Turkey. The first legal regulation concerning assisted reproduction is title "Regulation on In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer Centers "is dated 21.08.1987. Certain amendment have been made since than. According to regulation a couple's consent is a prerequisite for them to be admitted to treatment using assisted reproductive techniques [ART's]. Heterological fecundation and embryo research are forbidden. In order to keep up with such rapid advances in medical science and to get the expected benefits, further discussion in this area are needed