Artificial insemination

Artificial insemination (AI) is when sperm is placed into a female's vagina, uterus or fallopian tubes using artificial means rather than by sexual intercourse. In humans artificial insemination is usually part of an infertility treatment; either the woman's partner's sperm (AIH) or donor sperm (AID) can be used.

Artificial insemination requires the close monitoring of the ovulation cycle. In artificial insemination, the surrogate is the actual mother. Semen from the father is injected directly into the surrogate’s uterus to improve the chance of conception in a process called intrauterine insemination.

Artificial insemination has become a significant issue in recent years, particularly in debates revolving around surrogate parenting. Legal issues have arisen in cases where the surrogate mother decides, upon the birth of the baby, that she wants to keep the child for herself. Likewise, there have been debates over the rights of sperm donors. There have also been debates as to whether conceiving an unnatural baby is ethical.

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