Issues Related to Advancing Science Technologies Flashcards
Genetic Advances: what is possible now?
Select embryos based on gender
Diagnose complex conditions in utero
Screen newborns for conditions and deficiencies such as sickle cell disease or hypothyroidism
Screen people for inheritable diseases or predispositions such as breast cancer or Parkinson’s disease
What are ethical questions related to genetic screening?
Is screening a burden, or beneficial? What if it became mandatory?
Why do it if there is no cure? How are the vulnerable protected?
Who should pay for this information? Is it only for those who can afford it?
How can privacy and confidentiality be safeguarded? Is there a duty to disclose to others at risk?
Pros and Cons of Predictive Testing for Inheritable Conditions
Pros • Lessens anxiety • Allows for lifestyle changes • Treatment interventions may decrease risk • Others may be identified Cons • Individual reactions are unpredictable • May result in unfair treatment
Stem Cell Technology
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells which can be induced to differentiate into specific tissues or organs
They have potential use in the treatment of many conditions, such as
o Alzheimer’s disease
o Parkinson’s disease
o Spinal cord injuries
Stem Cell Transplantation
The main source of stem cells is fetal tissue and umbilical cord blood
There is controversy regarding fetal tissue because it
o is obtained from elective abortions
o could encourage pregnancy and abortion for the purposes of donation
Nevertheless, the technology holds great potential for saving lives and reducing the burden of disease
Therapeutic Donor Insemination (TDI)
Technique used when a male partner is infertile
Associated ethical questions involve o confidentiality o disclosure o screening o the nature of relationships
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF was developed to overcome infertility issues that TDI does not address, including o damaged or absent fallopian tubes o endometriosis o ovulatory problems o low sperm count
Fertilization occurs outside the body, and resulting embryos are transferred into the uterus
Gestational Surgery
The gestational mother may be the biological mother, or
o she may carry the embryo of the couple
o she may carry a donated embryo
This is considered when a woman has
o experienced multiple failures with IVF
o a medical condition that limits pregnancy
Ethical issues arise due to the number of parties involved and the possibility of coercion
Federal statute on Assisted Human Reproduction Act (2004)
o the health and well-being of children is paramount
o benefits must be balanced
o free and informed consent is fundamental
o trade for commercial gain is prohibited
o persons who undergo assistance must not be discriminated against
o diversity in the human genome must be protected
What does the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (2004) ban?
o human cloning
o creation of a life form that is a hybrid of a human and another species
o assisted technology for the purposes of gender selection
o payment of money for surrogacy arrangements
o counselling a woman under 21 to become a surrogate
o the purchase of embryos, sperm, or ova or advertising sale of such items
Special Considerations with Cancer and Infertility
- The treatment of cancer poses a threat to both male and female fertility
- Sperm cryopreservation is an option for men
- The challenge is greater for women and children being treated for cancer before puberty
Children with Cancer
Procedures to preserve ovarian tissue are complex
• Parents must balance
o current best interests (by minimizing risk)
o future interest in procreation
It is important to involve the child, with age- appropriate explanations
Feminist Ethical Perspectives
Feminists are concerned that advances in reproductive technology may result in a society which:
o Creates pressure for women to procreate
o Continues to be controlled by the male-dominated medical profession
o Commercializes women’s reproduction
Implications for Offspring of Reproductive Technologies
o 30% of IVF deliveries are multiple births
o Little is known about the long-term effects of drugs used in the procedure
o The legal parenthood of children may be unclear or challenged
o It may not possible to protect the anonymity of sperm donors
Psychological Impact of Reproductive Technology
When supporting clients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies, nurses must be aware that:
o Success rates are low
o The process places emotional burdens on those involved
o Each new breakthrough will result in more ethical questions
