ABSTRACT
In this paper the role and the ethical orientation of the counsellor in the treatment of infertility are analysed. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) – like many other interventions of reproductive medicine – has received wide attention and is still provoking controversial debate. Issues such as whether the understanding of the family is threatened (Macklin 1991) or the quality of parenting and the development of the children in the context of reproductive intervention (Golombok et al. 1995) show both the concern resulting from this field of medical technology as well as the scientific effort to give answers to these urgent questions. Gynaecologists, psychologists, ethicists and other disciplines have contributed to reflection on the ethical dimensions of intervening into ‘natural human procreation’, but the problem of finding a consensus remains (Hepp 1994, Kuhse 1994). Therefore, the question of the ethical and professional attitude of the counsellor towards reproductive medicine and towards clients’ preferences is not a trivial one. The lack of consensus and the plurality of values in this intimate domain constitutes a constant challenge to the counsellor which needs analysis and coping-strategies.
