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The Irish Media and the Lack of Public Debate on New Reproductive Technologies (NRTs) in Ireland

University of Oxford, UKcatherine.heffernan{at}green.oxford.ac.uk

The aim of this article is to investigate the lack of public debate surrounding new reproductive technologies in Ireland. Despite, the controversy they have attracted for the past 20 years in Europe and in the USA, Ireland has remained conspicuously silent on the issues and ethical concerns that arise from the implications of the technologies. There is a multitude of reasons for the lack of Irish public debate, many of which are the result of various factors embedded with the current socio-economic changes. This article will argue that the Irish media is the platform for initiating debate. It has the power to be a channel not only for communication on the topic but can reflect and motivate public opinion. Ultimately, it could spark the public insistence on legislation by the Irish government.

Key Words: Ireland • Irish media • IVF • new reproductive technologies (NRTs) • public debate

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