ABSTRACT
Owing to new developments in reproductive medicine our room for manoeuvre in almost all aspects of human reproduction has considerably increased. Whereas previously infertile couples had no choice – they had to accept their reproductive fate and integrate their childlessness into their concept of life, nowadays the situation is very different. Robert Audi gives a more detailed definition of ‘the principle of alternate possibilities’. He draws a distinction between an action that is compelled – and thus unfree – but not unavoidable, and an action that is unavoidable. According to Audi, in spite of internal compulsions, the couple has to be considered responsible for this situation, not least because some years, some months or weeks ago they had decided to begin with the infertility treatment. As far as the procreative liberty of husband or wife is concerned, it is necessary that both parties give their written consent to the procedure.
