ABSTRACT
Human reproduction in its various forms has always attracted intense ethical attention. Sexuality in its various forms, prostitution, contraception, abortion and sperm donation by intercourse or by artificial insemination have dominated debate over many centuries. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a newcomer to this scene, yet it raises many equally important issues. My intention in this paper is to describe the origins of IVF and other forms of assisted human conception and the reasons why the early pioneers began these studies. I will then discuss the ethical role of doctors and scientists in the IVF clinic, and finally consider some modern aspects of the current methods of regulation of assisted human conception, especially the problems of legislation. Currently, ethical responsibility is shared between practising IVF clinics and regulatory agencies which interpret legislation and are responsible to a Minister of State. After welcoming the move to legislation a decade ago, I now have reservations about law as a primary regulator of the many complex personal and clinical situations in assisted human conception.
