Ethics of Reproductive Technologies
Intensive Course on Ethics of Reproductive Technologies
Keynote Speaker: Paul Schotsmans (Professor of Medical Ethics, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Vice-Chair Belgian Advisory Committee on Bioethics) & Course coordinator: Kris Dierickx
About 3 decades ago, the world was astonished by the birth of Louisa Brown, the first in vitro fertilisation baby. This was the beginning of an evolution that seems to have no limits: in vitro fertilisation, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, reprogenetics, cloning, stem cell research, sex selection, etc. These medical possibilities or promises, however, are not without ethical and social implications.
In this course we focus at some of the most challenging issues in reproductive medicine. In the first part the students are introduced in the medical and technical possibilities, treatments and limits of the actual reproductive technologies. In the second part follows the ethical reflection on contemporary and foundational issues in reproductive ethics. The final part consists of international and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Participants November 2011
Testimonies
- Anne G. Vinsnes
The composition of the educational programme gave me an in depth understanding of medical possibilities or promises, but ethical and social implications were also evident.
- Szilvia Hubel
The course turned out to be much more than I expected: comprehensive but not superficial, offering an excellent introduction into the field as well as deeper insights into the latest challenges.
- Erika Aberg
My participation in the Ethics of Reproductive Technologies Course was an extremely valuable experience and one that is very timely in my practice as a genetic counsellor. I enjoyed the variety in delivery of course content which included lectures, small group discussions and debate.
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Elke Sleurs
During the course there is a lot of opportunity for case discussions. The international audience gives an extra dimension to these discussions. Being confronted with all different cultural backgrounds, you are forced into questioning your own vision and opinion you are used to, due to your own cultural environment.
Programme Overview
Wednesday, 14 November 2012: Reproductive Technologies and Ethics
9h00-10h00: Welcome and General introduction
Kris Dierickx
10h30-13h00: Infertility investigation and treatment in the Leuven University Fertility Center + visit to the laboratory
Thomas D'Hooghe and colleagues
13h30-14h30: Lunch
14h30-16h30: Key Note Lecture: Reproductive Medicine and Personalist Ethics
Paul Schotsmans
16h30-17h00 Refreshments
17h00-18h30: Case disscussion
Kris Dierickx
20h00-22h00: Movie "Eggsploitation" + discussion
Thursday November 15, 2012: Contemporary Issues in Reproductive Ethics
9h00-10h30: Psychosocial aspects of Fertility Treatment
Koen Demyttenaere
10h30-11h00: Refreshments
11h00-12h30: Secrecy and disclosure in the context of third party reproduction
Kris Dierickx
12h30-13h30: Lunch
Thursday November 15, 2012: Foundational perspectives
13h30-15h00: Childwish: Need or desire?
Yvonne Denier
15h00-15h30: Refreshments
15h30-17h30: Responsible parenthood and the search for healthy children
Kris Dierickx
19h00-....: Dinner at the Faculty Club
Friday November 16, 2012: International and Interdisciplinary Perspectives
9h00-10h30: Reprogenetics: Ethics between Genetic and Reproductive Medicine
Koen Devriendt
10h30-11h00: Refreshments
11h00-13h00: The Paradox of Infertility in the world's overcrowded countries
Willem Ombelet
13h00-14h00: Lunch
14h00-15h30: Ethical aspects of stem cell research and reproduction
Bart Hansen
15h30-16h00: Questions and answers. Evaluation of the course.
Kris Dierickx
16h00-17h00 Good bye reception
For further detailed information, click here.
Registration for the Intensive Course Ethics of Reproductive Technologies
Accomodation in Leuven
