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The New York Times recently published an article on a woman who is fighting for custody and legal parenthood of twin children that she is not genetically related to, whom she did not gestate and birth herself, and who have not been living with her: her only connection with the twins is that she wanted them and so (under very interesting conditions) paid for the IVF and surrogate to birth them.

In this episode, Dr. Hilary Bowman-Smart (University of South Australia) discusses the impact of assisted reproductive technologies on what we think it means to be a parent. Hilary discusses this case and answers questions such as what if the embryo that made you, was made from 4 different people's gametes? What if you could have children with your friends, instead of your romantic partner? Should James start a cult?

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In this episode, Prof. I. Glenn Cohen (Harvard University) gives us his world leading answers to some of the stickiest issues in modern reproductive ethics: What does in-vitro gametogenesis (and can Sinead pronounce it correct at least once) mean for parenthood? If there is no other means for a person to exist but with a genetic condition, is trying to select against certain embryos even good for anyone? Is there a possible way to make coffee even more gross than just instant? What is the importance of genetic relatedness in determining who our parents are, and to us as individuals? What's the difference between IVF and IVG?

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In this episode, Dr. Rand Hirmiz (Singapore Management University) discusses how people with dementia can sometimes drastically change their preferences, including their long held values such as religious views or ethical standpoints. If a person then tries to go against their former views, such as by eating meat despite being a lifelong vegetarian, which views should we respect? What if their new views are less harmful or restricting than their previous views? Rand talks about the ways in which we form values, and the similarities and differences between the person pre-dementia and post-dementia. We also debate coffee (once again), and the wild concept of half-and-half milk, and that is not so half-and-half as they say.

Remember people, be savvy!