Embryo Research Flashcards
Embryo research
Research on embryos (they must have been created in vitro).
UK Law on embryo research
Research is permitted for 14 days then the embryo must be destroyed.
PGD is allowed for medical conditions only and sex selection allowed only to prevent sex linked genetic conditions.
Saviour sibling technology allowed on a case by case basis to save a child’s life when there is no other method available.
PGD
Pre implantation genetic diagnosis.
A method of testing embryos for genetic conditions prior to implanting in the uterus
Saviour sibling technology
The creation of a child whose cord blood can be uses to treat a very ill sibling because it will be genetically compatible
Purpose of embryo research
To understand infertility and miscarriage
To develop more effective contraception
To prevent/understand genetic conditions
To treat currently untreatable diseases
Examples of embryo research
Centre for Life research on mitochondrial replacement therapy
Therapeutic cloning to treat Parkinson’s disease
Source of embryos for research
They must be created in vitro
They are usually donated surplus IVF embryos - consent from both parents is needed.
Or by the creation of embryonic clones.
Stem cell/ therapeutic cloning
The creation of an embryonic clone of the patient
The stem cells are removed from the clone which then perishes. They are used to treat the patient’s condition.
Designer babies
Created through IVF, edited DNA cells or embryos for attractive characteristics (eg looks, intelligence, health)
Use of sex selection now - and possibly in the future the selection of traits such as intelligence and appearance.
CCC quote on IVF
‘[IVF] established the domination of technology over the origin and destiny of the human person’
Dignitas Personae quote on conception
‘The human being is to be respected and treated as a person from the moment of conception’
CCC quote on embryo research
‘It is immoral to produce human embryos intended for exploitation as disposable biological material’
Fletcher quote on sex selection
‘Control of a child’s sex by cloning to avoid any one of 50 sex linked genetic diseases might be justifiable’
Fletcher quote on human need
‘If human rights conflict with human needs, let need prevail’
Virtue ethics thought on PGD
Failure to use PGD where it could prevent suffering makes medics/parents responsible for that suffering
