BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Inside the Ethics Committee

Factual: Health & Wellbeing

Religion & Ethics

Joan Bakewell and a panel of experts wrestle with the ethics of a real-life medical case.

Joan Bakewell is joined by a panel of experts to wrestle with the ethics arising from a real-life medical case.

Inside the Ethics Committee: Series 9

Inside the Ethics Committee: Series 9: Episode 1: Assisted Conception and Disability

Episode 1

Episode 1: Assisted Conception and Disability

Series 9

Assisted Conception and Disability

BBC Radio 4 - Inside the Ethics Committee, Series 9, Assisted Conception and Disability

Should a woman with severe disabilities be helped to get pregnant?

Rosemary has battled severe health problems for many years. Now 36, and in a new relationship, she wants assisted conception. But it's extremely risky. Should the doctors help her?

Rosemary has battled with severe health problems for many years. She has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and, following complications of spinal surgery, she is now a full time wheelchair user and her breathing is impaired. She receives her nutrition via a tube fed directly into her blood stream and she empties her bowels into a bag attached to the small intestine.

She has always wanted a child and now, aged 36 and in the early stages of a relationship, she asks for assisted conception.

The fertility doctor refers Rosemary on to various specialists at the hospital, who enumerate the risks. If Rosemary is to have IVF, she'll need a general anaesthetic which would be extremely risky for her. Furthermore, any pregnancy could be life threatening to Rosemary and a potential fetus, and the team are concerned about the welfare of a future child. Also, if Rosemary becomes pregnant, her child could inherit Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome as the condition is genetic.

While hospitals look after women with complex problems who are already pregnant, enabling a woman like Rosemary to become pregnant is an ethical challenge of a different order. But Rosemary herself is adamant she wants to take the risk, whatever the potential consequences.

Should the fertility team help Rosemary get pregnant? 

Joan Bakewell and a panel of guests discuss this ethical issue.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

A panel of experts tackle the ethics involved in a real hospital case

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Inside the Ethics Committee

Series 9

Episode 1: Assisted Conception and Disability

Genres

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4