Start of Life

Question 1

describe the Human Fertilization and Embryology Act (HFE Act - UK)

Answer 1

• the human embryo is not a human being with rights, and can therefore be treated as a means to an end

Question 2

the legal view of when a fetus derives moral status is ___

Answer 2

the legal view of when a fetus derives moral status is at birth

Question 3

contrast necessary vs. sufficient conditions

Answer 3

• a necessary condition is something which must be present for another thing to be possible
  
  • e.g. having your eyes open is a necessary condition for watching television
• a sufficient condition is something which, if present, guarantees that the other will occur
  
  • e.g. drinking a bottle of whiskey is a sufficient condition for becoming drunk

Question 4

describe consent in artificial reproduction

Answer 4

• information must be given in lay terminology
• consent: where donor is used consent from spouse AND partner
  
  • consent to use of gametes and their storage
  • consent re-maximum time period of storage
  • advance directive if one or both partners die

Question 5

describe research on embryos

Answer 5

• treat embryo as a human
  
  • harm to embryo allowed if it is to the benefit of other embryos
  • harm to embryo allowed if it is beneficial to the advancement of knowledge

Question 6

describe 2 principal moral considerations during pregnancy termination

Answer 6

• the moral status of the fetus
• the rights of the pregnant woman

Question 7

describe the central argument against termination of pregnancy

Answer 7

• the fetus is an innocent person
• it is morally wrong to end the life of an innocent person
• conclusion: therefore, it is morally wrong to end the life of a fetus

Question 8

describe prevention view vs dominant view during preconception genetic counseling

Answer 8

• prevention view: preventing the birth of children with (severe) genetic disorders
• dominant view: achieving societal goals in the reproductive choices
  
  • cost to society, distributive justice; must uphold reproductive autonomy

Question 9

describe the idea of gradualism

Answer 9

the idea of increased moral status with development of fetus

Question 10

describe Kant’s view on contraception

Answer 10

• reproduction is not the sole purpose of intercourse; the purpose of marriage is not procreation, teaches categorical imperative
  
  • i.e. not to use people as a means to an end
• contraception might increase promiscuity; does not address the emotional side of relationships
  
  • i.e. private reasons for using contraception

Question 11

describe the utilitarianism view (Singer) on contraception

Answer 11

• utilitarian reasons for having sex is pleasure; it provides the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people
  
  • Singer aruged for using contraception to stop population growth
• utilitarians are for the greatest happiness but contraception leading to sexual freedom is not necessarily the highest good as we cannot predict the consequences