RA to Matters of Life Flashcards
Define embryo.
Fertilised ovum at around 12-14 days when implanted in the womb.
Define embryology.
The study of human embryos.
Define gene selection.
The genetic screening of embryos produced by IVF in order to implant only embryos with or without certain genes into the mother’s womb.
Give an advantage of gene selection.
Having a child with a genetic disorder could be avoided.
Give a potential problem with gene selection.
Some embryos would have to be destroyed in the process OR it could be considered discriminate towards disabled people if you choose the embryo to die because of a disorder - eugenics.
Define human genetic engineering.
The modification of gene make-up to change the features of a human.
Give an advantage of human genetic engineering.
The person could be born with desired characteristics, like a better aptitude for certain things.
Give a potential problem with human genetic engineering.
‘Designer babies’ could be made, which highly interferes with nature and could make an ideology of an ‘ideal human’, which is similar to Nazism.
Define designer baby.
Babies with characteristics chosen by their parents. Currently illegal in the UK.
Give an advantage of having a ‘designer baby’.
The child could have no weaknesses to certain health conditions like asthma, and could be stronger OR more intelligent - if everyone had intelligent designer babies, then the human race would progress much faster and solve more of the world’s problems.
Why are siblings engineered that can save the sibling’s life?
So stem cells from the umbilical cord can be used, or possible later donations of bone marrow, blood or organs.
Is creating siblings for the purpose of saving the other sibling’s life legal in the UK?
No.
Give the 2 main ethical arguments against ‘saviour siblings’.
It destroys other embryos, and the child may feel that they only exist to help their sibling.
Give an advantage of ‘saviour siblings’.
They can potentially save a life, while living a mostly complete life themselves.
Give a potential problem of ‘saviour siblings’.
The child may have to be careful for the rest of their life if they have donated an organ OR they may feel like they were unimportant as they were only created for their sibling.
What is the story in the Bible which suggests that masturbation is wrong?
The story of Onan (where he “spilled his seed on the ground”).
How was Onan punished?
He was executed by lightning.
Give the 2 Bible quotes and the Islamic teaching to suggest that fertility treatment is good.
“Love thy neighbour”, “Be fruitful and multiply”.
Muslims believe it is their duty to have children as they follow the example of Muhammad.
Give the 2 reasons why Roman Catholics in particular are against fertility treatment.
It often destroys embryos (they believe life begins at conception - do not kill); it involves masturbation.
Give the 4 main reasons why Christians (NOT including the Catholic specific beliefs) are opposed to fertility treatment.
- A third person may be involved (AID and surrogacy) which makes it like adultery;
- It could be used “unnaturally” so gay couples and single parents could have children;
- The child is not produced naturally, through intercourse;
- Could be seen as “playing God” and going against God’s plan.
What is the story in the Bible which suggests that masturbation is wrong?
The story of Onan (where he “spilled his seed on the ground”).
How was Onan punished?
He was executed by lightning.
Give the 2 Bible quotes and the Islamic teaching to suggest that fertility treatment is good.
“Love thy neighbour”, “Be fruitful and multiply”.
Muslims believe it is their duty to have children as they follow the example of Muhammad.
Give the 2 reasons why Roman Catholics in particular are against fertility treatment.
It often destroys embryos (they believe life begins at conception - do not kill); it involves masturbation.