The variety of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) available at the opening of the twenty-first century have helped more than half a million infertile couples in the United States alone become parents. Yet this plethora of choices results in ethical, moral, and social debates. Supporters of reproductive technology cite obvious benefits, while opponents strongly criticize it for lacking respect for human life. Because something can be done, they ask, should it be done"

Modern science has forced doctors and patients to face this difficult question, as noted by Cooper and Glazer.

[Today's infertile] couples travel a very different journey than their counterparts from any prior generation. Even recent generations had few medical interventions to which they could turn. In contrast, today's weary travelers make their way through a complex and confusing medical maze . . . many find themselves approaching...