[Developmental trends in reproduction medicine].

In the last few years reproductive medicine has developed into a medical research field of its own. It deals with the theoretical and practical problems of human reproduction and is characterized by close cooperation between medical and scientific specialists both clinically and in research. Far-reaching social effects arise from the application of hitherto unknown research and treatment methods. The results of research in reproductive medicine led, due to the development of effective contraceptives, to a reduced connection between sexual intercourse and reproduction, and have made possible reproduction even without sexual intercourse, by means of artificial insemination and in-vitro fertilization. These latest and most exciting developments in reproductive medicine are based on and justified by the right of every couple to a child of their own. In-vitro fertilization and related treatments, eg. gamete intrafallopian transfer, are expected to dominate the treatment of the sterile couple in future. The social effects of the new techniques in reproductive medicine nessecitate the development of ethical standpoints, in which human welfare must predominate. In the GDR, in accordance with the recommendations of the "Ethics in medicine" working group, in-vitro fertilization using gametes of the same couple is ethically accepted, as is also oocyte and embryo donation, provided they aim to fulfil a couple's wish for a child. Surrogate mothers are rejected, however. The combination of in-vitro fertilization and genetic engineering could potentially be used in the treatment of certain types of hereditary disease, but there is also the possibility of misuse.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)