Poland's debate over artificial insemination

Poland is currently embroiled in debate about artificial insemination, which is not controlled by law. That is why couples are crossing the border from Germany for treatment. Poland's health minister, Ewa Kopacz, has now recommended that state health funds cover artificial insemination for Polish women. But the Catholic Church is for a total ban on such interventions. Says Marek Safjan: "Though Poland lacks a legal framework for biotechnology, there's a belief that we are the last bastion for the defence of traditional values against an attack by dangerous new technologies. At the same time, we can't manage to carry on an honest and comprehensive debate about this, in which we propose boundaries and guidelines for such interventions. If we don't discuss this, a legal void will result. And that's the worst imaginable solution."

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