Introduction
This topic covers the moral questions raised by human reproduction: contraception and sterilisation, abortion, prenatal diagnosis, assisted reproduction, surrogacy, gamete donation and embryo research. In the exam, you should show that you can name the main ethical principles, present the arguments on each side fairly, relate them to Bulgarian and European practice, and explain the physician's responsibilities.
Ethical framework
Reproductive ethics is built on four principles: autonomy (the right of individuals and couples to make their own reproductive decisions), beneficence and non-maleficence (protecting the health of the woman, the child and future generations), and justice (fair access to services and protection of the vulnerable). Disputes arise because these principles can conflict, for example when a woman's autonomy meets the interests of a foetus or embryo, or when a child's welfare must be weighed against the wishes of adults who want a child.
- Key question: when does the moral status of the embryo or foetus begin to matter, and how much weight should it carry?
- Positions range from full moral status from conception to gradual moral status developing with biological development.