The Journal of Philosophy, Science & Law

Modern cancer treatment, while often producing lifelong cures, can also result in permanent damage to many organ systems. Although more than 70% of children and young adults can be cured of their cancers, infertility, which frequently accompanies curative therapies for many common types of cancer, is one of the most devastating long-term complications. In this paper we discuss the medical, legal, and ethical ramifications of attempting to prevent this side effect and present some of the challenges that remain.