Aubry

Russell

Outline 5
Group Topic: Human Reproduction & Fertility/ Infertility

Goals: To encourage all group members to participate, beyond a
minimum amount. Remind them of points in hopes of promoting
conversation.

Agenda:
I. Take Attendance (2 min): Note all members who are present and mark
those who are absent or tardy.

a. (2 minutes)Ask members to share a highlight of their week so far.

II. Discussion Question(15 min): How old is too old?
a. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,532742,00.html Read highlights of
Worlds Oldest Mom. *the purpose of this article is to show the students that
fertility can still occur in women who are advanced in age and to challenge the
status quo. They will have to reconsider what is normal. Was Maria del Carmen
Bousada wrong to want children, even at such an advanced age? How strict should
fertility clinics be when it come to IVF and other procedures on women of an
advanced age?
b. Is there some sort of unspoken age limit in our society as to when a woman can
have children?
c. Does denying a parent the right to have a child interfere with any Constitutional
rights? Which ones?
d. Are there any ways that the childs quality of life can be affected when their
parents are older?

e. With such advancements in our technology, do you think society is starting to

accept a new normal when it comes to parenting?
f. In what ways do people look at older parents as opposed to teen parents?
Similarities? Differences?
g. Many parents argue that financial stability occurs at older ages. Is financial
stability the most important thing to consider when bringing a child into the world?
What are other aspects to consider?
III. Discussion Question (10 min): Gender and Infertility.
a. Infertility occurs in both sexes for a number of different reasons. Do you think
there is more pressure on one sex over the other to be fertile? Why?
b. In societys eyes, does being infertile make you any less of a man/woman? What
are the reasons behind this?
c. Why is it more common/acceptable for a man to become infertile (vasectomy)
over a woman?
IV. Discussion Question (15 min) Taking Sides
A variety of assisted reproduction technologies have helped millions of women
become pregnant and give birth. Over the past 30 years, in vitro fertilization has
become a popular choice IVF allows egg cells to be surgically removed and
fertilized by sperm cells in a laboratory, then are transferred into the womans
uterus (Taking Sides)
a. Many people believe that IVF is cheating God. How do you feel about that?
b. Should anyone be able to try IVF or should parents go through interviews similar
to the adoption process to prove they are fit to be parents?

c. Multiple births can potentially form health risks to expecting mothers. Should
there be a limit to the number of embryos implanted during IVF? What if none of
them carry to term? (More money, time off work, hospital visits)
d. If restrictions are put on the number of embryos implanted, does this interfere
with any Constitutional rights?
e. Does IVF take the intimacy out of a pregnancy for a couple? Does it become too
technical and calculated?
f. If IVF is not working after many tries for a couple, should they give up? Should
there be a limit on the number of IVF treatments? Why?
V. Discussion Question (15 min) Children:
a. Kody Brown and his 4 sister wives have 14 children collectively. The Duggar
family has 19 kids and counting. Do you think there should be a limit to the number
of children couples can have?
b. Is there a certain point when the number of siblings in a family affects a childs
quality of life? How can two parents devote enough time to each child?
c. On the opposite end of the spectrum, does an only childs quality of life become
affected when they are in the constant spotlight? How?
d. In countries such as China, families can only have 1-2 children by law due to the
overgrowing population. How do you feel about this law? Constitutional rights at
stake?
e. Do people take the gift of a child for granted? Why?