Fertility preservation technologies raise a variety of ethical, social, and legal challenges and concerns. This section of the website is devoted to those working in the humanities who research these issues from disciplines such as bioethics, history, literature, philosophy, religions, law, and the arts. Humanists have been involved in the Oncofertility Consortium since its inception, providing parallel scholarship to accompany scientific and technological developments, proving an integral part of the Oncofertility Consortium team.
This project evaluates the ethical and legal issues surrounding the use of reproductive technologies in cancer patients, with a special emphasis on the implications for pediatric patients and their families.
For a complete description of the humanities projects currently supported by the Oncofertility Consortium, please visit our Humanities, Social Science, and Oncofertility page.
Publications:
- Consistency in Insurance Coverage for Iatrogenic Conditions Resulting from Cancer Treatment Including Fertility Preservation
- Medical Hope, Legal Pitfalls: Potential Legal Issues in the Emerging Field of Oncofertility
Presentations:
In July 2009, the Oncofertility Consortium hosted a robust summit that brought together scholars from the humanities, social sciences, and the basic and clinical sciences to examine the complex issues raised by recent developments in the field of oncofertility and to provide interdisciplinary perspectives to help shape the understanding and delivery of this new field. Papers and presentations from this summit are available in our Virtual Library.
Dr. Paul Lauritzen has also prepared a podcast titled which exlpores oncofertility from the Catholic perspective. This insightful presentation offers a unique look into the implications of developing fertility preservation technologies from the perspective of an accomplished religious scholar.
In early 2011, the Chicago Council for Religious Clergy met with the Oncofertility Consortium to begin a discussion between scientists, ethicists, and a variety of religious traditions about the evolving technologies in fertility preservation. The presentations can be viewed here and additional materials will be added as the conversation continues:
- Oncofertility: The Preservation of Fertility Options for Young People with Cancer – Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D.
- Conversations in the Future Tense: Ethical Issues in Ovarian Tissue Salvation and Egg Generation – Laurie Zoloth, Ph.D.
The Oncofertility Consortium recognizes that society is always in flux, and thus understands that humanities research is continually evolving. If you are a humanist interested in pursuing a novel research aim related to oncofertility or have questions or comment about our existing research project, please contact us.