Discussion In The Unit: Exploring How Ethics
Discussionin The Unit Discussion You Will Explore How Ethics Applies
Discussion in the unit discussion will explore how ethics applies to issues in medicine. Bioethics is a distinct subject that analyzes medical and biological issues using ethical reasoning and theory. The topics discussed in bioethics are varied but impact everyone’s lives. You should write at least 200 words in the original post. The Week Three discussion prompt asks whether human cloning of embryos for generating stem cells is ethical and whether it is ethical to use discarded human embryos for harvesting stem cells. Your response should explain your position using ethical reasoning and theories.
Paper For Above instruction
The ethics surrounding human cloning of embryos for stem cell generation and the use of discarded human embryos for harvesting stem cells are complex issues that evoke diverse moral considerations rooted in different ethical frameworks. This discussion aims to analyze these issues through the lens of various ethical theories to determine their moral acceptability.
The practice of cloning human embryos for the purpose of harvesting stem cells is contentious. Supporters argue that it offers significant medical benefits, such as treating neurodegenerative diseases and spinal cord injuries, which can greatly improve quality of life (Kodish, 2001). Additionally, advocates often invoke utilitarian principles, emphasizing the potential for the greatest good for the greatest number. From a consequentialist perspective, if cloning can alleviate suffering and save lives, its ethical status may tilt toward acceptance despite concerns about naturalness or moral status of the embryo (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013).
Conversely, opponents argue that cloning raises significant moral concerns regarding identity, individuality, and the dignity of human life (Brock, 2004). Many ethical theories, including deontology, emphasize the intrinsic moral rights of individuals, including embryos, which are often regarded as potential human life deserving of moral respect (Kantian ethics). Cloning could be viewed as instrumentalizing human life or violating the moral duty not to manipulate or commodify human life at its earliest stages.
Using discarded human embryos for harvesting stem cells presents a slightly different ethical dilemma. Embryos that are no longer viable or intended for implantation are often obtained from in-vitro fertilization clinics. Many argue that utilizing these embryos for research is ethical because it prevents waste and derives potential medical benefits without creating new embryos (Petersen, 2010). The practice aligns with a utilitarian framework that supports maximizing benefits while minimizing harm. Moreover, it can be justified through a principle of respect for the embryo's potential for life, balancing scientific advancement with moral considerations.
However, critics contend that even discarded embryos possess moral status, and their use for research undermines the respect owed to potential human life (Lee & George, 2014). From a deontological perspective, using embryos in research might be seen as violating inherent moral rights, no matter how the embryos are obtained or their disposition. Ethical concerns also arise about informed consent from donors and the potential slippery slope toward cloning or creating embryos solely for research purposes.
In conclusion, the ethical acceptability of human cloning of embryos and using discarded embryos for stem cell research depends heavily on the ethical framework adopted. Utilitarian theories might justify cloning and embryo use if they lead to significant medical advances and alleviation of suffering. In contrast, deontological perspectives prioritize the moral rights and dignity of the embryo, often opposing such practices. Ultimately, a balanced ethical approach requires careful consideration of scientific benefits alongside respect for moral values, emphasizing that ongoing ethical debates are essential in guiding responsible biomedical advancements.
References
Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Brock, D. W. (2004). Cloning human beings: An assessment of the ethical issues. Hastings Center Report, 34(2), 37–44.
Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals.
Kodish, E. (2001). The ethics of cloning. The Journal of Clinical Ethics, 12(3), 203–205.
Lee, P., & George, R. P. (2014). Embryo research and moral status: An ethical analysis. Bioethics, 28(8), 386–392.
Petersen, A. (2010). The moral status of embryos: A critique of the moral significance of early human life. Journal of Medical Ethics, 36(6), 357–359.