Parenthood and Reproductive Ethics

Question 1

Traditional conceptions of a parent

Answer 1

Follows the idea of a ‘nuclear family’ and assumes that the biological parents are the default parents

Question 2

Adoptive parents

Answer 2

Must prove eligibility for parenthood

Question 3

Geniticism

Answer 3

Genetic parents are the true biological parents

Question 4

Gestionalism

Answer 4

Idea that the person who carries and gives birth to the child has a fundamental role in biological parenthood

Question 5

Foetal Container Model (FCM)

Answer 5

Views the foetus as being contained in the mother’s body as if it is a separate entity

Question 6

Parental obligations

Answer 6

Goes beyond basic care, involving nurturing, loving and guiding the child

Question 7

Parental rights

Answer 7

includes custodial rights, decisions on healthcare, education and even political or religious upbringing

Question 8

What are the two approaches to parental obligations

Answer 8

• Casual accounts
• Voluntarist accounts

Question 9

Casual accounts on parental obligation

Answer 9

Parental obligation arises from procreation

Question 10

Voluntarist approach on parental obligation

Answer 10

Parental obligation arises from a willingness to take responsibility for the child

Question 11

Problem of the casual account

Answer 11

Too many people are deemed the parent (sperm donors)

Question 12

Problems of the voluntarist account

Answer 12

Tricky in cases of accidental conception

Question 13

Types of parental rights (4)

Answer 13

• Proprietary
• Labour-based (Lockean)
• Obligation based (Child-centered)
• Relationship-based

Question 14

Proprietary parental rights

Answer 14

Parental rights are based on the ownership of bodily materials like sperm or eggs

Question 15

Labour-based (Lockean) parental rights

Answer 15

Rights are based on the effort put into creating the child

Question 16

Obligation based (Child-centered) parental rights

Answer 16

Rights are based on the best interests of the child

Question 17

Relationship based parental rights

Answer 17

Rights are based on the preexisting relationship between parent and child

Question 18

Utilitarians

Answer 18

Argues that existence itself is a prerequisite for harm

Question 19

Non-utilitarians

Answer 19

based on principles, intentions, or duties, rather than solely focusing on maximizing happiness or outcomes.

Question 20

Why do some people believe that the intention to raise is not a good condition for determining parental responsibility?

Answer 20

Intention does not always align with the practical aspects of raising a child

Question 21

Hazmat Theory

Answer 21

The procreation of a child carries significant responsibility and must be treated with care and protection