Ethics unit 3 bioethics Flashcards
Developments in bioetics
Describe how IVF treatment can help a couple to have children. (5) (2019)
If a couple are infertile it can enable them by using either or both donor egg or sperm
Because fertilization happens outside the womb it can happen under scientifically controlled conditions therefore checks can be made before implantation – ensuring only viable embryos are selected and used
If there is a concern about a genetic disorder then this can be checked and illuminated during the development of the embryo in the laboratory
Outline biblical and church teaching that is relevant to new reproductive technologies. [5]
Genesis 1:26 makes clear that human life is created in God’s image and is therefore sacred.
All of the main churches teach that life begins at conception and that God has a plan for each individual life, even before birth (Jeremiah 1:5)
New reproductive technologies often involve parties outside of the marriage e.g. a surrogate. Some Christians feel this undermines the sanctity of marriage and even view it to be adulterous, which goes against the command in Exodus 20:14.
Describe how the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) sets guidelines for bioethics. (5) (2018)
Answers may include:
- The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority is a government organisation which regulates the developments in human reproductive technology
- It has the responsibility for licensing and monitoring the clinics that carry IVF procedures.
- They provide relevant advice and information to patients, doctors and clinics.
- The HFEA closely monitors legislation on reproductive technology and embryo research.
Accept valid alternatives
Discuss the arguments for surrogacy [5]
Christians believe that responding to God’s love should involve loving responses to others.
If some have been fortunate enough to bear children, they should be able to share this gift with others.
Some women may enjoy carrying children but do not want large families.
It allows the chance for homosexual couples to have children and therefore promotes equality.
Explain why IVF treatment is a controversial issue for Christians. (5) (2019)
Sanctity – IVF creates and manipulates embryos – Christians believe that this is “playing God”.
Waste – those embryos which are not implanted are discarded – Christians believe life begins at conception
Unnatural – following the principles of “natural law” – this scientific process is not the natural means of conceiving and therefore perceived as against God’s natural order of things.
Right – a child is not a right but a gift of God
Explain some benefits of IVF treatment. [5]
A couple who have had difficulty conceiving can be helped to have a child.
IVF treatment can be used to scan for hereditary diseases and can ensure that only healthy embryos are implanted.
Surrogacy has enabled couples to have children who would not otherwise be parents e.g. homosexual couples.
IVF can lead to a child being a perfect donor for a sick sibling, thereby creating new life and saving an existing one.
Do you think IVF treatment should be freely available to everyone? Give reasons for your answer. (5) (2018)
Answers may include:
- The Health Service is under a great amount of pressure at the moment, so valuable resources should be prioritised.
- People who want IVF treatment should be prepared to pay for it themselves.
- Candidates may argue that some people may qualify for free treatment, for example a childless married couple. However, it should not be available for same sex couples, single people or women post child bearing age.
On the other hand: - It is everyone’s right to have a child, if that is their wish. Being childless and desperately wanting a family could place a strain on a person’s health and mental well-being, so IVF can be seen as an essential treatment.
- It is unfair to allow treatment to those who can afford to pay, but to deny it to those who cannot.
- It could also be seen as discriminatory to only allow IVF to certain people, such as married heterosexual couples.
Accept valid alternatives
“All Christians should oppose human surrogacy.” Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer. (5) (2018)
Agree:
Answers may include:
- Human surrogacy is immoral as it involves a child being treated as a commodity, rather than a unique creation of God (Genesis 1:27).
- Surrogacy can involve the technique of IVF, which is considered by many people to be immoral as it involves the destruction of embryos (Exodus 20:13).
- It can involve the introduction of a ‘third person’ into a marriage relationship; this can be seen as adultery which goes against Bible teaching.
On the other hand,
Some surrogacy arrangements are a loving act where friends or family members help a loved one to have a child; there is no money involved and the child is not treated as a commodity. Christians could accept surrogacy in such a situation.
- Surrogacy can lead to a great amount of pleasure for a number of couples, especially for those who may be infertile. Some Christian couples may see raising a family as a way of serving God and surrogacy is the only means of doing this.
- Some candidates may argue that surrogacy in itself is not incompatible with Christian teaching; rather it depends on the motives of those involved.
Accept valid alternatives
A Christian couple who are infertile should accept that they cannot have children.’ Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer showing that you have considered different points of view. [10]
AGREE
God is the giver of new life and humans should not try to interfere with this.
Current developments in human reproduction go against Christian teaching about the sanctity of life as they involve embryo destruction – Christians believe life begins at conception and so this is killing.
The Bible often teaches that the appropriate response to childlessness is to trust God and pray about the situation e.g. Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:9-18.
DISAGREE
There is nothing wrong with Christians taking advantage of developments in medicine to improve their quality of life, so why should advances in the ability to have children be any different?
Reproductive technologies are carefully monitored by the HFEA and are legal – Christians who use a regulated clinic are within their rights to do so.
In the Bible God tells humans to “go fourth and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Using new technologies may be the only way for some Christians to fulfil this command.
Children are a blessing from God and were his intention. Having children can add fulfilment to a marriage.
“Human surrogacy can be an act of Christian love.” Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer. (5)
gree:
It endorses the family and all the benefits which can be enjoyed in family life
God said “Be fruitful and multiply” – so it is enabling others to fulfil that command.
Having a child for another can be seen as an act of sacrificial love – time, effort, pain etc.
However:
The example of surrogacy we find in scripture (Abraham and Hagar) ends in upset and hurt for all involved – suggesting that this is not part of God’s will
Surrogacy has been seen by the church as “medical adultery” – adultery is against the Ten Commandments.
It is confusing for the child – having potentially 3 sets of parents: donor, surrogate and actual.
“IVF treatments are unnatural and are trying to be like God.” Do you agree? Give reasons, showing you have considered different points of view. [10]
AGREE
According to scripture, God is the giver of new life and humans should not try to interfere with this.
If a couple are infertile they should accept that this may be part of God’s plan – he is sovereign.
It is clear from stories like Hannah’s in the Bible that the appropriate response to childlessness is to trust God and pray about the situation.
IVF treatment goes against the natural order of how procreation was intended to happen and places precious life into the hands of humans. It is inevitable that embryos will be destroyed during the process.
DISAGREE
God has blessed us with new technologies like IVF to treat the condition of infertility.
God commanded people to ‘multiply’ (Genesis 1:28). IVF is simply an alternative means of carrying out God’s plan for a couple.
God gives the gift of children and we are told he has a plan for each individual, including those conceived through IVF – God’s hand is in the process.
