Ethical Considerations of Multiple Births and Reproductive Choices

Question
"Hi there. This question is sort of indirectly related to abortion. I wondered what you thought about the woman who recently gave birth to eight babies, and already had six of them? I watched an interview with her, and she mentioned that she felt it would be immoral not to use all of the fertilized eggs, because she believes they are human beings with a right to life. It was clear she was against abortion, and thought it immoral. Couldn't one argue however that it is immoral to bring all of those children i
nto the world? I would like to hear your thoughts. Thank you.


Answer
Hi Erica :)

Yes, someone could definitely argue that. Using that many embryos was absolutely wrong of the doctor who did it. It could have killed her. The babies were born prematurely, and that is never good. I try to never judge one's reproductive choices. However, her parents are deeply affected by this, and so are the kids. I don't care that she needs government assistance, but I do wonder about how all the kid's emotional needs will be met. So while her belief is fine, it's also just as fine to believe it immoral to implant 8 embryos.