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 child is carried to term in the uterus of the biological mother. Semen from the father is injected directly into her 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 to keep the child. Likewise, there have been debates over the rights of sperm donors. There have also been debates as to whether conceiving a baby without sexual intercourse is ethical.
Artificial insemination is used in animals to propagate desirable characteristics of one male to many females or overcome breeding problems, particularly in the cases of horses, cattle, and pedigreed dogs. Semen is collected, frozen, and shipped to the female.
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See also:Test tube baby
