Free to Decide: The Positive Moral Right to Reproductive Choice

Free to Decide: The Positive Moral Right Reproductive Choice Tess Johnson (bio) introduction advent of novel assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) has considerably expanded our sphere control over reproduction, and consequently, the scope ethical debate surrounding choice. widespread availability genetic selection, in particular, raises questions regarding what choice does should entail. Preimplantation diagnosis (PGD) for selection builds on vitro fertilization (IVF). It forces us confront whether a moral right extends not only decisions have children how many have, but also type have. Traditionally, been grounded negative liberty, entitling right-bearers simply non-interference one’s decision-making by third parties. A basis positive however, goes further: it demands that parties facilitate individuals’ exercising freedom choose. This facilitation requirement underpins provision (early) abortion 71% high-income countries (World Population Policies 2013). However, when comes accessing ARTs such as PGD, conception continues dominate, led widening gap between those who can exercise their make choices, are unable right. For example, they may be due structural economic social disadvantage prevents them from being independently able access or pay these technologies. If (including ARTs) extended all individuals, then is inadequate. sufficiency (concerning challenged before, yet feasible conceptions an alternative, received far less attention. Here, I present argument choice, entailing [End Page 303] accessible governments cannot use without additional support. Applying capabilities approach this area, take position liberty (PMRRL) justified centrality human flourishing self-determination. implications both choices child, concerning child To introduce argument, John Robertson’s Children (1994)—advocating choice—as springboard critique some key aspects right, first section. insufficiency elaborated upon more generally second section, where explore avoids objections. propose PMRRL based address possible Finally, fourth applied question ARTs, firstly (using IVF fertility reasons), secondly which PGD selection). 1. robertson’s procreative conceptualized various ways literature. Different afford individuals services, consequently confer responsibility promote protect citizens’ decision-making. One influential suggested Robertson. outline here, argue against Robertson positive, exercisable vulnerable groups via ARTs. Procreative Liberty conceptualizes free ‘procreative liberty’, defined decide offspring, government restriction choices. He contends holds priority other considerations decisions, so prospective parents free, matter “respect dignity at most basic level”, engage “crucial self-defining experience” represents. (An exception specific overriding concerns exist wellbeing future 304] child.) (Robertson 1994) It...