There are moments in life when we have to make decisions that will undoubtedly impact the future in profound ways. One such decision involves the issue of fertility treatments for gay, lesbian, and unmarried individuals. Some argue that being gay is genetically determined, and there’s an insightful article on this topic that I’d like to refer to (http://bit.ly/1E4rFAM). In this study, Kenrick Vezina delves into the work of geneticists like Michael Bailey from Northwestern University and Kevin Mitchell from Trinity College in Dublin, who suggest that homosexuality has a strong genetic component linked to the Y chromosome.
From what I understand of their research, there is a difference between sexual preference and sexual orientation. Sexual preference refers to whether someone is attracted to males or females, while sexual orientation, which is related to the Y chromosome, is moderately heritable. There are regions on the Y chromosome that influence the development of sexual orientation in men. They propose that there is no single universal path to homosexuality, and heterosexuality is not a default state. Several genes may work together to influence sexual orientation. The conclusion of this work: homosexuality is not a choice, just as heterosexuality is not. It should not be considered a disorder.
So, where are the people who once labeled homosexuality as a disease? And why is there such reluctance to accept it?
There’s a story of two friends, both from well-educated backgrounds—professionals and successful. They had been in a relationship for over 10 years, which seemed even stronger and more solid than many heterosexual couples. One day, they decided they were ready to bring a child into their lives, to raise them with all the love and care they could offer, in a warm, happy home.
They chose in vitro fertilization with an egg donor and, of course, required a gestational carrier. The treatment was successful, and they welcomed their first beautiful baby into the world. She was gorgeous, intelligent, and full of life. They couldn’t be happier.
Years later, she is still a clever and beautiful girl, and they decided to give her a sister. Today, it is common practice in fertility clinics to offer treatments to gay, lesbian, and single individuals. We live in an era where egg and sperm donation, surrogacy, and embryo donation are increasingly seen as rights for many.
Depending on the region, however, access to these treatments may be more challenging due to ethical considerations, and some patients may be denied treatment.
Many individuals who oppose reproduction by single people or gay and lesbian couples do so out of concern for the welfare of the child. They argue that the best environment for raising a child is a two-person, married, heterosexual family and are reluctant to facilitate anything different. However, evidence suggests that the fears surrounding psychological or social problems in children raised by gay, lesbian, or unmarried parents are unfounded. Studies show no harm or disadvantage has been observed.
Fertility specialists often have doubts about treating same-sex couples, more so than unmarried heterosexual couples, largely due to ethical, religious, or familial influences.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) identifies an overarching ethical question: Is it acceptable to assist unmarried individuals or couples in reproducing, regardless of their sexual orientation? Several studies have concluded that children born and raised by same-sex couples are no different from those raised by heterosexual couples. It’s interesting to note that in 2011, 46% of all births in the U.S. were to unmarried women. This shows that many professional women have chosen to parent without a male partner, often through sperm donors. This percentage is likely to increase in the years ahead.
Currently, in the United States, there are an estimated 6 to 14 million children being raised by at least one gay or lesbian parent, typically resulting from a heterosexual relationship. In the UK, the proportion of children born to unmarried mothers reached a record 47.5% last year (346,595 children), up from 25% in 1988 and just 11% in 1979.
Demographic data also reveals significant diversity among same-sex couples with children. For example, in the South, 26% of same-sex couples have children, compared to 24% in New England and 21% in the Pacific States. In 2000, about 65,000 children lived with same-sex parents. By 2012, this number had increased to 110,000—a more than 100% increase.
According to the ASRM, there are three important factors in the ethical debate:
- The reproductive interest of unmarried and gay/lesbian individuals.
- The protection of the welfare of the offspring.
- Whether professional autonomy, combined with prevailing laws, provides a limit on the duty not to discriminate based on marital status or sexual orientation.
Given the importance of having children to individuals, there is no justifiable reason to deny single individuals and gay or lesbian couples the same reproductive rights as others.
The American Psychological Association has concluded that there is no scientific evidence linking parenting effectiveness to parental sexual orientation. Lesbian and gay parents are just as capable as heterosexual parents in providing supportive, healthy environments for their children.
Over the past few years, the topic has sparked much controversy. Ethics committees, various groups, religious organizations, societies, and governments have all been carefully reviewing this issue. Most have concluded that the same reproductive rights should apply to everyone, without discrimination.
However, in certain places, there is still significant controversy, particularly in countries with strong religious or conservative views, where such practices are considered unacceptable or even aberrant. Some countries continue to penalize or punish homosexuality.
So, the question remains: Should we all have the same rights, regardless of sexual orientation or the decision to become a single parent? In the coming years, as societal norms evolve, it is likely we will see greater equality and acceptance.