"In order to reproduce by medical means, gametes--the sperm and eggs--must be taken from the human body. Oftentimes this requires the use of pharmaceuticals to enhance or stimulate fertility. Once gametes are taken, they require storage. After the appropriate diagnostic tests are run, gametes are used for inseminating procedures such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or artificial insemination (AI). Gamete retrieval and storage are part of the early phases of medical reproduction (MR). Each of these steps have many substeps along the way. This chapter will detail some of the processes of MR prior to insemination that use resources and release carbon emissions. It should be noted that not every phase of the MR spectrum are used by all clients. Some people may avail themselves of gamete retrieval but do not proceed to storage; others may eventually use the stored gametes for fertilization but not have a live birth. Some will have an MR birth without needing to use a neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU), while other medical consumers will use every aspect of the MR spectrum. Regardless of which MR procedures are used, carbon is emitted from a variety of sources in each step. It should also be remembered that people using the MR industry are not necessarily suspected to be, or diagnosed with, infertility. Since the MR industry caters to lifestyle choices surrounding reproduction, it eagerly serves preferences of fertile people who want a particular reproductive experience, as well as the preferences of the infertile. Both can, and do, use MR prior to insemination"-- Provided by publisher.
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