resolving ethical dilemmas Flashcards
What are the arguments for NHS supplying free treatment for conditions such as appendicitis, but not for mitochondrial disease treatment to reduce risk of embryo inheriting disease?
In the case where a couple may be wanting to undergo treatment in which donor embryos are used to substitute the mothers nuclear DNA, and use the donor’s mitochondrial DNA to prevent passing on to offspring, the treatment may not be covered by the NHS. This is due to the fact that there are limited resources in the NHS therefore economical decision have to be made regarding which treatments will be free. In this case there are alternative options for the couple, e.g. adoption, have no child, have child despite risk of inheriting condition. In the case of appendicitis, this is a life-threatening condition which cannot be helped, nor are there any other alternative options for relieving the condition. As a result the NHS should not charge patients to pay for this service.
Some may argue that the NHS would save money if the child was not born with the mitochondrial disease, as it would reduce the treatments they required, reduce hospital visits, etc. However, ultimately there are alternative options for the couple and the NHS has to save money somewhere.
Why might people relocate their research to other institutes/countries after not gaining ethical approval?
Many researchers carry out their research in poorer countries due to the reduced costs, increased number of willing participants (however they are usually vulnerable). There is also a lack of regulation by local research ethics committees due to reduced staff which are available. Ultimately there is corruption in such countries and unfortunately research conducted within such areas is not always ethical and conducted according to regulations.
