Parenthood and Reproductive Ethics Flashcards
Traditional conceptions of a parent
Follows the idea of a ‘nuclear family’ and assumes that the biological parents are the default parents
Adoptive parents
Must prove eligibility for parenthood
Geniticism
Genetic parents are the true biological parents
Gestionalism
Idea that the person who carries and gives birth to the child has a fundamental role in biological parenthood
Foetal Container Model (FCM)
Views the foetus as being contained in the mother’s body as if it is a separate entity
Parental obligations
Goes beyond basic care, involving nurturing, loving and guiding the child
Parental rights
includes custodial rights, decisions on healthcare, education and even political or religious upbringing
What are the two approaches to parental obligations
- Casual accounts
- Voluntarist accounts
Casual accounts on parental obligation
Parental obligation arises from procreation
Voluntarist approach on parental obligation
Parental obligation arises from a willingness to take responsibility for the child
Problem of the casual account
Too many people are deemed the parent (sperm donors)
Problems of the voluntarist account
Tricky in cases of accidental conception
Types of parental rights (4)
- Proprietary
- Labour-based (Lockean)
- Obligation based (Child-centered)
- Relationship-based
Proprietary parental rights
Parental rights are based on the ownership of bodily materials like sperm or eggs
Labour-based (Lockean) parental rights
Rights are based on the effort put into creating the child
Obligation based (Child-centered) parental rights
Rights are based on the best interests of the child
Relationship based parental rights
Rights are based on the preexisting relationship between parent and child
Utilitarians
Argues that existence itself is a prerequisite for harm
Non-utilitarians
based on principles, intentions, or duties, rather than solely focusing on maximizing happiness or outcomes.
Why do some people believe that the intention to raise is not a good condition for determining parental responsibility?
Intention does not always align with the practical aspects of raising a child
Hazmat Theory
The procreation of a child carries significant responsibility and must be treated with care and protection
