Medical innovation requires research, and research depends on patients and healthy volunteers willing to assume risks. Considering the ethical decisions medical practitioners must face, Beginning Life takes a close look at several bold medical innovations that have created new lives and saved others. With detailed information on assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy, genetic testing and therapy, stem cells and therapeutic cloning, and intensive care techniques for severely premature newborns, this new resource highlights key ethical principles and their application to the everyday practice of medicine.