Bioethics

Question 1

List of reasons why people choose to have children.

Answer 1

 To create a family
 They love children
 To give and receive unconditional love
 To carry on the family name
 To give meaning to their life
 Social pressure and expectations
 Instinct
 To save a relationship / marriage
 Companionship

Question 2

Should infertile parents accept that they are childless? Or should they try to adopt? Accept it.

Answer 2

Accept that they are childless

 Some Christians should not accept the use of IVF treatment as they believe this is interfering with God’s plan. If they can’t conceive naturally, then God does not intend for them to become parents.
 During IVF more embryos are created than are needed and many are destroyed. For many Christians this is going against teaching on the Sanctity of Life.
 Surrogacy involves bringing another person into the relationship, which could also be considered adultery.

Question 3

Should parents accept that they are childless? Or should they try to adopt? Adopt?

Answer 3

Try to adopt

 An infertile couple may adopt which would be a loving way of providing a home for a child who needs one.
 The skills of doctors and scientists are God- given and intended to be used to prevent human suffering and give a better quality of life.
 It is God’s intention for a husband and wife to have children, so marriage should be life- giving. Therefore, it is not wrong for a couple having problems with fertility to seek alternative ways to have a family.

Question 4

Is a child a right or a gift from god?

Answer 4

The Bible states, ‘Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.’ This shows that children are precious in the eyes of God.

The UDHR states that every human has a family, and this would include the right to a child.

God is the creator of life, therefore if a child is born, God has specifically and purposely made them.

Question 5

Natural Methods

Answer 5

Some couples may find it difficult to conceive because of lifestyle pressures, such as stress and workload. It may be possible to overcome infertility by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as
eating a nutritious diet and avoiding alcohol.

Question 6

Medicines

Answer 6

If there is a problem with hormones, then taking fertility drugs may help to overcome infertility. They may even help if the cause of infertility is unknown.

Question 7

Surgery

Answer 7

This might be effective if there is a blocked fallopian tube or some other internal problem. In some cases, an ovary transplant might be possible for a woman who cannot produce her own eggs.

Question 8

Assisted Conception

Answer 8

The most popular method used today even though it can have a low success rate. Techniques include IVF (in vitro fertilisation) and IUI (intrauterine insemination), a.k.a. artificial insemination. It involves inserting the semen directly into the womb, rather than fertilising the
egg in a test tube, as with IVF.
The first ‘test tube baby’ was Louise Brown in 1978.

Question 9

What is IVF?

Answer 9

IVF is the most common fertility treatment. IVF involves a human egg and sperm being brought together in a test tube or petri dish by doctors. If the egg is fertilized successfully, then doctors will place the embryo in the woman’s uterus, where it will continue to grow and develop in the usual way.
The IVF procedure is not always successful, so doctors will fertilise more than one egg so the healthiest embryo can be chosen for implantation.

Question 10

How can IVF help a couple have children?

Answer 10

IVF treatment can help people who may experience problems in conceiving a child. In a clinic or a lab, the egg and sperm are placed in a test tube or petri dish to form embryos. One or more of these is then transplanted into the woman’s womb.

If the quality or quantity of the man’s sperm is poor, or if the woman has difficulty producing eggs, then IVF can help overcome these problems. IVF allows for donated sperm and eggs to be used, if necessary.

IVF can help a same sex couple to have a child through the use of donated sperm and/or eggs and the possible use of a surrogate mother.

Question 11

Describe how IVF can overcome infertility.

Answer 11

 There are various ways a couple might try to overcome infertility, such as medicines, surgery or natural methods. These include trying to avoid a stressful and unhealthy lifestyle.
 Assisted conception is the most popular method used today. Techniques include IVF and IUI.
 Surrogacy might be a choice for some couples. Surrogacy is when an embryo is placed in the
uterus of a surrogate (host) mother. The surrogate’s eggs may have been used, or she may have
no genetic link to the baby she is carrying.
 A couple might choose adoption or fostering as the best way to have a family.

Answer 12

IUI by partner/husband:
This occurs when the husband or male partner has healthy sperm but may have a low sperm count. Many Christians agree with this method as it allows heterosexual couples to have
children within the sanctity of marriage.

Question 13

Arguments against IVF

Answer 13

 Spare embryos:
Embryos that are not used can be destroyed. Many Christians see this as committing murder as life begins at conception, with every embryo being a potential person. Human life is sacred, people are created in the ‘image of God’.
 Compromising religious beliefs on marriage:
IVF may involve a third party, and some may go as far as to say this is adultery. Some people feel it should only be available to heterosexual married couples, especially if the treatment is being given on the NHS. Some Christians are concerned that this is not what God intended and goes against Bible teaching about family relationships.
 Medical complications:
Multiple births is a high risk as well as potentially causing high blood pressure and gestational diabetes for the mother. Miscarriage rates are also higher along with babies more likely to be premature or have lifelong disabilities.
IVF can have a low success rate. It can be very expensive and lead to a great deal of strain on the couple if they face a number of unsuccessful treatments.
 Designer babies:
Embryo’s may be modified to achieve desirable qualities such as the sex of the baby. This goes against
biblical teaching that states each person has been created in the image of God.
 Identity:
Children born from a donor may find it difficult when they discover how they were conceived. They could have half brothers and sisters that they know nothing about, a donor can donate sperm in no more than 10 live births. It could also be distressing to discover that there is no genetic link to either one or both parents, but to anonymous donors.
 Three parent IVF:
Babies born from two women and one man to prevent children being born with deadly genetic diseases passed on by their mother, a donor’s genetic material is used to correct certain conditions. The nature of the child is now permanently changed and that of future descendants.

Question 14

Arguments for IVF

Answer 14

 Childlessness can cause great distress to a couple who want to raise a family. IVF treatment can help them to have children who may be genetically theirs.
 Adopting a child is a choice for some couples, but it is not an option for everyone, nor is the child their genetic offspring.
 Using embryos for research and experimentation can help doctors towards a greater understanding of treatments for diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and heart disease.
 The screening of embryos to eliminate hereditary diseases and the creation of ‘saviour siblings’. This is a child conceived through IVF as a source of donor organs or cells for an older brother or sister with a life-threatening condition.

Question 15

IVF is a gift to society. Agree.

Answer 15

 IVF provides the opportunity for an infertile couple to have a child. This may help prevent the marriage from breaking down.
 It allows for a couple to have a genetic link to the child which would not be possible through adoption or fostering.
 IVF creates spare embryos that can be used in medical research to find cures for diseases.

Question 16

IVF is a gift to society. Disagree.

Answer 16

 Doctors are playing God. IVF takes away from the natural order of the creation of life – God is that creator.
 IVF creates spare embryos that are later destroyed. Christians believe life begins at conception so the destruction of these embryos s murder. How could this act be seen as a gift?
 IVF may include more parties than the couple. If this is the case then it could be seen as adultery, going against the commandments.

Question 17

The practice of three parent IVF is unacceptable. Agree.

Answer 17

Point 1 =
The 10 commandments uphold the sanctity of life and show that humans have 2 parents, a father and a mother. Yet, by creating children with 3 (or even 4) parents, the procedures fly in the face of the created order.
Point 2 =
Three-parent IVF can cause identity issues for the child in the future. They may question whether they belong with their family (the one they were raised in) or who really is their parent(s).
Point 3 =
Some Christians claim this is adultery as the third person involved is not part of the marriage.
Point 4 =
The DNA of the child is permanently altered, changing the nature of future descendants.

Question 18

When does life begin?

Answer 18

Some believe life begins at conception as it has been created by God and has the potential to be a human being. Others believe life does not begin until birth when the embryo is separate from the mother.

Question 19

Is an embryo a human being with full human rights

Answer 19

Some would argue yes as it’s a human being from the moment of conception. Others do not
consider it a life until birth and therefore the embryo should not be awarded such rights.

Question 20

Is it right to create a child to use as a donor for a sick sibling?

Answer 20

If life does not begin until birth then it could be argued it is acceptable as it will help a current life and give that child a future. However, others might argue that it is not right as the child is a person in their own right and should be treated as such.

Question 21

Arguments that agree with embryo research

Answer 21

 Some secularists may argue that an embryo does not have the status of being a person, so is not due rights.
 If an embryo can be used in research to bring benefit to others as a whole, then it is morally justifiable to sacrifice its welfare.
 Embryo experimentation could lead to scientists finding new ways of preventing and curing serious conditions, such as Motor Neurone Disease or Parkinson’s Disease.
 Embryo research should be embraced if no other viable alternative method is available.
 Spare embryos from IVF treatments will die anyway. Research allows their demise to help others.

Question 22

Arguments against embryo research

Answer 22

 Many Christians hold the opinion that an embryo of any age has the same status as any human being, as life begins at conception.
 Many people feel that because an embryo cannot speak up for itself, its rights must be protected by law.
 Embryo research is ‘contrary to the sanctity of life.’ (Church of Ireland)
 No Christian should be comfortable with ‘the use of embryos for research as the use of cells from them is not for the embryo’s benefit.’ (Church of Ireland)
 Christians should focus on biblical teaching instead of pursuing gifts – the Ten Commandments state: Do not kill.

Question 23

The Catholic Churches views on embryo research

Answer 23

 Life begins at conception.
 Embryo experimentation is wrong.
 Life should be protected from
conception.

Question 24

The church of England’s and Irelands views of embryo research

Answer 24

Ireland – seen as wrong as it doesn’t benefit the embryo and creates embryos with the intention of destroying them.
England – embryos are sacred and should be respected. It can be permissible as long as the intention is to alleviate suffering.

Question 25

‘Christians should embrace embryo research as a way to use our God-given gifts.’ Agree?

Answer 25

 Allows medical research to expand and progress, possibly alleviating human suffering by eliminating hereditary diseases.
 Spare embryos from IVF treatments will die anyway. Research allows their demise to help others.
 By performing embryo research now, we may be able to phase out further research in the future.
 Legally sanctioned research ensures the embryos are treated with respect.
 Embryo research should be embraced if no other viable alternative method is available.

Question 26

‘Christians should embrace embryo research as a way to use our God-given gifts.’ Disagree?

Answer 26

 Embryo research is ‘contrary to the sanctity of life.’ (Church of Ireland)
 The Catholic Church believes that life begins from the moment of conception and so the embryo must be treated as a person: ‘defended … cared for and healed … like any other human being …’ (Pope John Paul II)
 Christians should focus on biblical teaching instead of pursuing gifts – the Ten Comandments state: Do not kill.
 No Christian should be comfortable with ‘the use of embryos for research as the use of cells from them is not for the embryo’s benefit.’ (Church of Ireland)
 ‘The use of adult stem cells and umbilical cord blood should be given much higher priority.’ (Church of Ireland)

Question 27

What is surrogacy?

Answer 27

Surrogacy = when an embryo is placed in the uterus of a host (surrogate) mother. The surrogate’s eggs may have been used, or she may have no genetic link to the baby she is carrying. The baby will be handed over to the couple who are going to raise the child shortly after birth.

Question 28

What are the two types of surrogacy?

Answer 28

 Traditional Surrogacy
 Gestational Surrogacy

Question 29

Who is the legal parent?

Answer 29

When the baby is born, the surrogate mother is considered to be the legal mother and her name is on the birth certificate. The couple who are going to raise the baby (known as the commissioning couple) must adopt the child within six months and the birth certificate is then changed. However, when the child reaches 18 years of age, she or he can request to see the
original birth certificate and find out who the surrogate mother was.

Question 30

Is surrogacy legal?

Answer 30

According to the HFEA, surrogacy is legal if it is carried out for altruistic reasons. This means a woman is not a surrogate for financial gain, but because she wants to help a childless couple to have a baby. She can, however, be paid expenses during pregnancy to cover the cost of maternity clothes, transport for medical
appointments and nutritious food, for example. 16 Sometimes a friend or family member may offer to be a surrogate for a couple.

Question 31

Concerns about surrogacy (against )

Answer 31

Not all surrogacy takes place for altruistic reasons. In parts of the world, commercial surrogacy is legal and has become a money-making business. Many are concerned this involves treating a child as a commodity (a product that can be bought and sold) that can be paid for.

There have been cases where the surrogate mother has bonded with the child and refused to give ethe baby to the commissioning couple. This has caused legal difficulties over ownership of the child.

There are also concerns about the child having identity issues later in life, perhaps coming to terms with up to 3 mothers and 2 father.

Often involves the use of IVF techniques, so those who have a moral objection to the creation, and eventual destruction, of ‘spare embryos’ will also object to surrogacy for these reasons.

All the main Christian churches agree that surrogacy is immoral and that children should not be created for adoption. The Roman Catholic Church describes surrogacy as ‘gravely immoral’ as it is bringing additional people into the marriage relationship and creation of a child.

Question 32

Benefits of surrogacy (For)

Answer 32

For some couples, surrogacy is their only means by which they can have a child, as IVF treatment has proved unsuccessful, and they are not in a position to be able to adopt. There may be health reasons why a woman is unable to carry a child through pregnancy. Surrogacy can be the answer to years of unsuccessful attempts to have a family.

Surrogacy can enable same sex couples to have a child. Two men in a relationship may commission a surrogate mother, with one of them providing the sperm.

Surrogacy also offers the possibility for the baby to share the same genetic characteristics as one or both parents, unlike adoption.

Question 33

Explain how these two Bible teachings link to surrogacy?

Answer 33

1. Jeremiah 1 v 5 – I chose you before I gave you life and before you were born, I selected you to be a prophet to the nations.

God spoke to Jeremiah and told him that he had been chosen before he was born. This shows how God knows each person, and has plans for them, from before they were born.

2. Psalm 139 v 13 – You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother’s womb.

Every human being is carefully put together by God in the womb and is known to God. This unique creation
does not start to exist as a person at birth, but when growing in the womb. Therefore, this life should be respected and not destroyed.

Question 34

A woman should never offer to be a surrogate to anyone? - agree?

Answer 34

• A woman should never offer to be a surrogate as they would be the third person involved in a couple’s family planning and this can be viewed as a form of adultery. The commandments are against this.
• Gestational surrogacy involves IVF and this can lead to the destruction of spare embryos. All Christians should be against this as they believe in the sanctity of life and that life begins at conception.
• The Bible says that children are a gift, ‘a reward’ – this doesn’t make them a right. Only God can decide who he blesses with children.

Question 35

A woman should never agree to be a surrogate to anyone? - Disagree?

Answer 35

• Being a surrogate for a childless couple is a very selfless thing to do that involves a great deal of sacrifice. This is the way Jesus wanted Christians to live their lives – putting others before themselves.
• Infertility is a painful reality for many couples. It could be a woman’s vocation in life to carry and give birth to a child for a struggling couple – it is a loving thing to do.
• There is biblical precedent for surrogacy. EG: the Mosaic Law provided for a Levirate marriage, where a man would impregnate his dead brother’s widow and bear children on his behalf.
• If all parties involved have a clear understanding and if commercial surrogacy is not involved, there should be no ethical issue.

Question 36

In my opinion… (surrogacy for)

Answer 36

A woman should offer to be a surrogate as she is carrying out a very loving, sacrificia act that will provide the gift of a child for a couple.

Question 37

In my opinion… (surrogacy against)

Answer 37

A woman should not offer to be a surrogate as God is the creator of life and he has
determined that the commissioning couple cannot have children; this is his plan. Therefore they should accept his plans for their lives.

Question 38

What does HFEA stand for?

Answer 38

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority

Question 39

What does the HFEA aim to do ?

Answer 39

• Ensure that everyone who steps into a fertility clinic, and everyone born as a result of treatment, receives high quality care.
• By licensing, monitoring and inspecting fertility clinics to ensure that the work carried out is to a certain standard; that only qualified people can do it; and that research on embryos is only done where there is a real need and in a way that is ethical.
• Providing free, clear and impartial information about fertility treatment, clinics and eggs, sperm and embryo donation.

Question 40

HFEA law I’m the uk.

Answer 40

On 1st November 1990, the Parliament of the UK passed The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (HFE Act) to regulate three aspects of assisted reproduction. These are:
1. The creation, care, and use of human embryos outside of the body of a mother.
2. The collection, care, and use of donated sperm and eggs. 3. The storage of these human gametes and embryos.

Question 41

What are the reasons for the use of embryos for research in the HFEA

Answer 41

To increase knowledge of the causes of diseases and miscarriage.

To encourage advances in the treatment of infertility and the development of more effective contraception

To detect abnormalities before an embryo is implanted.

Question 42

Why is the role of the HFEA important?

Answer 42

• The HFEA regulates the ethical use of embryos for research.
• Holds responsibility for licensing and monitoring the clinics that carry IVF
  procedures.
• Provide relevant advice and information to patients, doctors, and clinics.
• Regulates the developments in human reproductive technology.