Ethics at the beginning of life Flashcards
Assisted reproduction: techniques? (6)
Artificial insemination In vitro fertilisation (IVF) Gamete donation Embryo donation Use of artificial gametes Reproductive cloning
Assisted Reproduction: Opportunities (7)
Treatment of infertility Single and same sex parents Prevention of inherited conditions Fertility preservation Sex selection “Designer babies” The reproduction industry
’ choosing your children ‘ - disability free vs designer babies
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis
Pre-implantation genetic testing for anomalies
Screening for delayed onset conditions
Sex selection for family balancing
Seeking disability (deafness and achondroplasia)
Saviour siblings
Treatment of infertility ? (6)
What is infertility? Who are infertile - people vs couples Absolute versus relative impediment to conception Who should be offered treatment? What treatment should be offered? How should this be funded?
Sex selection? (6)
Undermining the status of women (male embryos) Gender ratio imbalance Against nature Slippery slope Parental love Virtue of acceptance
Social egg freezing (6)
Distinct from egg freezing for medical reasons Age related reduction in ovarian reserve Technology available More reproductive control Financial implications Is it a medical need?
The reproduction industry? - negatives (5)
Commercialisation of reproduction Potential for exploitation New opportunities for parenthood Surrogate mothers Donor gametes
The moral status of the embryo? (5)
When does life begin? Mary Warnock and the HFEA Act Moment of life and the primitive streak Pain and neurological development Embryonic stem cells
Embryos can be used for research when?
up to 14 days after fertilisation
Abortion - positives (5)
Acknowledges sexual and reproductive rights of women
Unwanted pregnancy can harm physical & mental heath
Safe abortion saves lives globally
A potential human is not a child
Wanted children thrive
Abortion - negatives (3)
Denial of the rights of the embryo/fetus
Eliminating the potential for life
Contraception as an alternative
Pre-natal screening - what is the triple test?
AFP, Estrio and beta hCG for chromosomal abnormalities
CVS, amniocentesis - invasive tests
Pre-natal screening - questions to be asked (3)
Whose decision?
Which conditions?
Linked to decision to terminate pregnancy?
Maternal versus fetal interests (4)
Fetal surgery involving maternal risk
Delivery for fetal or maternal interest - Caesarian
Maternal autonomy - ie if they have cancer
Competence for informed consent
Neonatal care - ethics
prematurity is a major complication of pregnancy
the right to be resuscitated- criteria?
