Every September 18th marks World Medical Ethics Day—a date that invites us to reflect on the core principles that guide the practice of medicine: respect for human dignity, confidentiality, autonomy, equity, beneficence, and non-maleficence.
In a world where science advances at a rapid pace—and where clinical decisions often involve not just data, but emotions, life plans, and possible futures—medical ethics becomes more important than ever.
This day holds deep meaning in contexts such as assisted reproduction, where technological advances offer new possibilities to have a baby, but also demand a respectful, empathetic, and responsible view of the physical, emotional, legal, and social implications of these decisions.
At Ingenes, this ethical commitment is the foundation of everything we do.
What is medical ethics and why is this day observed?
Medical ethics is a branch of applied ethics that studies the moral principles that should govern medical practice. It’s not just about complying with laws or regulations, but about acting with integrity, justice, and humanity in every interaction with patients.
World Medical Ethics Day was established to highlight the importance of these values in a constantly evolving field, and to remind us that beyond techniques, procedures, and results, medicine is a human act.
The four traditional principles of bioethics are:
- Autonomy: Respecting the patient’s informed decisions regarding their health.
- Beneficence: Always seeking the greatest benefit for the individual.
- Non-maleficence: Avoiding harm, whether actively or by omission.
- Justice: Ensuring equitable access to medical care.
These principles become especially complex—and relevant—in fields like genetics, fertility, and assisted reproduction.
Medical ethics in assisted reproduction: decisions that transform lives
Reproductive medicine involves much more than a clinical intervention: it means accompanying individuals and couples who have often endured years of waiting, grief, difficult diagnoses, failed treatments, or deeply emotional experiences.
In this context, ethics is not optional—it is essential.
At Ingenes, our ethical commitment is reflected in each of our care pillars:
1. Clear, honest, and personalized diagnoses
Sometimes treatments fail not because of the technique, but due to an incorrect, incomplete, or generalized diagnosis. At Ingenes, we prioritize a comprehensive evaluation from the very first consultation, using the most advanced technology and a multidisciplinary approach to clearly identify the causes behind infertility.
Acting ethically means not offering false hope. It also means avoiding unnecessary or invasive procedures without a valid medical reason.
2. Respect for each patient’s autonomy
The decision to seek fertility care is deeply personal. That’s why every plan we design begins with a clear and empathetic conversation, where individuals or couples can express their desires, doubts, and limits.
Respecting autonomy means clearly explaining each available option, the associated risks, the real chances of success, and the physical and emotional impact each step of the process may have.
Here, informed consent is not just a signature—it is an active part of medical care.
3. Commitment to physical and emotional safety
Our mission is not limited to helping someone have a baby—we also want this journey to be experienced with care, respect, and support.
We know fertility processes can be emotionally challenging. That’s why all our programs include professional emotional support, providing real tools to navigate uncertainty, stress, results, and hope.
We also adhere to the highest international standards for quality and biosafety, protecting the health of every patient and every embryo.
4. Justice and equity: every story deserves a chance
Access to fertility services in Latin America is often influenced by economic, social, and geographic factors. At Ingenes, we work to help more people fulfill their dream of having a baby, regardless of their background, diagnosis, or personal story.
We have 19 branches in Mexico and the United States, and we develop programs adapted to different profiles, including single individuals, same-sex couples, women over 35, people With chronic illnesses, or complex diagnoses.
Our ethical vision leads us to exclude no one who dreams of building a family.
Ethical science: when innovation serves life
Medical ethics is also present in the way we develop and apply advanced technologies such as:
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A and PGT-M)
To reduce the risk of passing on genetic diseases or to select chromosomally healthy embryos. - IVF MORE® (Magnetic Ovulatory Restoration)
Our patented ovarian restoration technique that improves egg quality in women with advanced age, low ovarian reserve, or multiple failed attempts. - Gamete and embryo banking
Under strict ethical regulation and protocols for anonymity, selection, and monitoring.
All of these tools are applied under ethical guidelines that guarantee respect for human dignity, informed consent, confidentiality of genetic information, and a reproductive—not experimental or commercial—purpose for each procedure.
The role of the medical team in ethical care
An ethical institute is built by committed professionals. At Ingenes, our doctors, biologists, embryologists, geneticists, psychologists, and nursing staff receive ongoing training in bioethics, empathetic communication, diversity, and professional responsibility.
Each case is discussed in clinical sessions, and every decision is made from a scientific, empathetic, and respectful perspective.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach—each person needs a personalized program, and that requires listening, understanding, and supporting.
Ethics also means saying “no”
In assisted reproduction, being ethical also means having the courage to say no when physical, emotional, or medical conditions don’t allow it.
Refusing to perform an embryo transfer if the endometrium is not receptive; postponing ovarian stimulation if there are health risks; recommending a different process when another technique offers better chances of success… All of this is also part of acting ethically.
At Ingenes, we believe that the desire to have a baby should never outweigh medical responsibility. That’s why we accompany every case with truth, sensitivity, and commitment.
Medical ethics: the heart of our commitment
Commemorating World Medical Ethics Day is not just about discussing principles—it’s about reaffirming that every step toward having a baby must be guided by science and conscience.
At Ingenes, we understand that behind every test, every ultrasound, and every procedure… there is a story. And that story deserves to be treated with respect, clarity, and hope.
That’s why, for more than 20 years, our ethical commitment has not just been a statement. It’s our way of working. Of caring. Of turning dreams into families—always with the certainty that doing the right thing can also be extraordinary.