The Children of ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology): Should the Law Protect Them From Harm?

Assisted reproductive technology ("ART") has been in existence for twenty-five years with very little oversight or regulation. During this time, many infertile couples, gay and lesbian couples, and single parents have benefited from these procedures, which include in vitro fertilization ("IVF") and intracytoplasmic sperm injection ("ICSI"). In the year 2001, 107,587 ART cycles were reported, which represents a sixty-six percent increase from 1996. This number is likely to increase even further as more older couples try to conceive and more clinics begin to offer ART services.

Consequently, fertility is one of the fastest growing areas of medicine.