Charting an Ethical Course: Taking a Position

From my research on a particular scientific study conducted in Mexico on Embryos, I learned that these studies have been considered controversial because they use human bodies to grow embryos. Women involved in the study are artificially inseminated and then undergo a process called lavage to flush out the embryos so they can be looked at. Since this study was the first instance of genetically analyzing naturally conceived embryos, there are some benefits to the research (NPR). The studies found that natural embryos are equal to and slightly healthier than IVF embryos which could allow for a cheaper alternative to IVF to be available (NPR). However, the position I am leaning more toward is deeming the study unethical. On one hand, the women in the study do have the autonomy to do what they want with their bodies however, because of the money offered for the study, the existence of their informed, just, and free consent is up for question. There is a benefice to the study–offering an IVF alternative–however, there is some maleficence in the form of health risks involved with being artificially inseminated. 

IVF embryo selection

https://news.weill.cornell.edu/news/2019/04/artificial-intelligence-approach-optimizes-embryo-selection-for-ivf