ABSTRACT
This chapter maps out the territory that must be explored in this very complex area and analyzes the implications of governmental regulation of the new reproductive technology. It suggests that the central issue for analysis is the extent to which authority to make decisions concerning reproductive potential should be allocated to individuals rather than to the government. The chapter describes approaches to allocating decision-making authority with respect to procreative issues. The first is a rights-based approach which emphasizes individual autonomy; this approach will not permit governmental regulation which interferes with personal autonomy in decision making, at least without good reason. The second approach accepts regulation which impinges on individual decision making for the public good. The chapter concludes that the problems associated with separate spheres can be minimized if the analysis focuses precisely on the application of the new reproductive technology and on the impact of individual autonomy on women and society.
