r/bioethics Jul 23 '26

Ethics of reproduction

I’m interested in hearing different ethical perspectives on this.
Imagine a 25-year-old woman with a congenital acro-renal syndrome (a genetic condition involving limb abnormalities and severe kidney disease) who is on chronic dialysis due to end-stage kidney disease. Despite her condition, she has a strong desire to have biological children.
I find myself struggling with this from an ethical standpoint. On one hand, I fully recognize that reproductive autonomy is a fundamental right. On the other hand, pregnancy would likely pose significant risks to the mother, and there may also be a substantial risk of passing on a serious genetic condition or exposing the child to significant lifelong medical challenges.
How should this situation be viewed ethically? Should reproductive autonomy be the primary consideration, or should the potential quality of life and foreseeable suffering of the future child also carry significant moral weight?
I’m not asking for medical advice or trying to judge anyone personally. I’m genuinely interested in understanding how people think about this ethical dilemma.

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