In his essay, "The Ethical Challenge of the New Reproductive Technology" (Callahan 509-517), Callahan argues that their ought to be a restriction on the types of medical technology used to aid couples with fertility problems in conceiving a child. He believes that this technology has forged ahead with no thought to the ethical problems it engenders, and no consideration given to the welfare of the child conceived by artificial means. Callahan begins by dividing the approaches to alternative reproductive technology into two basic types. The first type he considers is what he calls the conservative approach, which is tied to what Callahan considers the marital sex act (609). This premise, the one followed by some religious philosophies, is that the marital sexual and reproductive act should not be interfered with under any circumstances, or for any reason. That is to say, sexual intercourse in marriage is considered one and the same as the act of reproduction, and should always be regarded as such. It is a natural act, and should be allowed to proceed naturally, between one man and one woman, so that the ôlovemakingö and ôbabymakingö are never separated. No technological intervention, such as artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, or the involvement of a third party, is ever to be allowed, and contraception is forbidden. Callahan firmly believes that the only ethical stance to take on the matter is to immediately stop any type of reproductive technology now being used, and that the only way to produce babies is the natural way.
The second approach Callahan considers is an individualÆs desire for a child when they cannot conceive naturally, and the means to which they will go to secure private arrangements by which they may reproduce (509). This approach includes the use of technological intervention to secure a baby, such as by in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, surrogacy, or any other technolog...