Uses of Embryos - Medical Ethics

Question 1

What is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)?

Answer 1

IVF is a process conducted outside the body in a lab setting, using advanced technology to assist in conception.

Question 2

How is IVF carried out?

Answer 2

An egg is removed from the woman’s ovaries, fertilised with sperm in a laboratory, and then the fertilised egg (embryo) is returned to the woman’s womb to grow and develop.

Question 3

What can be used during IVF?

Answer 3

IVF can be carried out using the woman’s eggs and her partner’s sperm or eggs and sperm from donors.

Question 4

How does UK law define fertilised eggs?

Answer 4

Fertilised eggs are referred to as embryos, and the best embryo is selected for transfer into the womb.

Question 5

How long must couples wait after embryo transfer to take a pregnancy test?

Answer 5

Couples must wait two weeks before taking a pregnancy test.

Question 6

What problem does IVF address?

Answer 6

IVF provides a solution for couples facing infertility challenges, including one in six heterosexual couples unable to conceive naturally.

Question 7

What are therapeutic uses of embryos?

Answer 7

Using human embryos in medical research and treatments to develop therapies for diseases or disorders.

Question 8

What is a saviour sibling?

Answer 8

A saviour sibling is a child born to provide a cell transplant to a sibling affected by a fatal disease, such as cancer or anaemia.

Question 9

How are saviour siblings created?

Answer 9

Embryos are created with IVF, tested for genetic compatibility with their sibling, and compatible embryos free from disease are implanted.

Question 10

What happens after the saviour sibling is born?

Answer 10

Stem cells from the umbilical cord or bone marrow are taken to cure their sick sibling.

Question 11

What ethical concerns arise with saviour siblings?

Answer 11

Continual donations that treat the saviour sibling as a means to an end raise serious ethical concerns.

Question 12

What is considered more ethical in saviour sibling procedures?

Answer 12

Minimal, non-invasive contributions like stem cells from umbilical cord blood are considered more acceptable.

Question 13

What do research uses of embryos focus on?

Answer 13

To advance human understanding, potentially leading to treatments for diseases.

Question 14

How long can embryos be used for research in the UK?

Answer 14

Up to 14 days, and it must be for a good purpose such as curing diseases or improving fertility treatments.

Question 15

What are stem cells?

Answer 15

Unspecialised cells that can divide and develop into highly specialised cells for treating diseases like Parkinson’s or diabetes.

Question 16

How could embryonic stem cells help diabetes?

Answer 16

By repairing damage to the pancreas and creating new healthy tissue.

Question 17

What is PGD?

Answer 17

A fertility treatment where a few cells from an IVF-created embryo are tested for genetic disorders or abnormalities.

Question 18

How does PGD benefit couples?

Answer 18

It helps avoid passing genetic disorders to children and improves chances of a successful pregnancy with a healthy baby.

Question 19

What genetic conditions can PGD help prevent?

Answer 19

Conditions like cystic fibrosis and Huntington’s disease.

Question 20

What is gene editing?

Answer 20

Modifying the DNA of embryos to fix genetic issues or add desirable traits.

Question 21

What are the risks of gene editing?

Answer 21

Off-target genetic changes and unpredictable long-term effects.

Question 22

What ethical concerns does gene editing raise?

Answer 22

It raises concerns about safety, consent, and interfering with natural processes.

Question 23

What is the Islamic view on gene editing?

Answer 23

Islam generally opposes gene editing as altering what Allah has decreed is seen as impermissible. Gene editing is seen as humans overstepping their role in shaping Allah’s design. While there may be moral benefits in preventing genetic diseases, the uncertainties and potential harms render gene editing unethical and impermissible in Islamic teachings.

Question 24

How do humanists view gene editing?

Answer 24

Humanists may have differing views. Some oppose gene editing due to its uncertain outcomes and potential for harm, which contradict their goal of reducing suffering. Others might support it for improving well-being by preventing genetic disorders, especially if they consider embryos non-human before birth.

Question 25

What is the Islamic view on PGD?

Answer 25

Islam supports PGD when used for medical purposes, such as preventing genetic disorders and improving health outcomes. It aligns with the principle of minimising harm and promoting health, but non-medical uses, such as gender selection, are considered unethical. Islam encourages the responsible application of medical advancements to alleviate suffering while respecting the dignity of all life.

Question 26

What is the Roman Catholic Church’s view on PGD?

Answer 26

The Roman Catholic Church generally opposes PGD, emphasising the sanctity of life from conception. Catholics believe that every human, regardless of developmental stage or genetic condition, has inherent worth. Rejecting embryos based on genetic abnormalities could be viewed as “playing God,” and conflicts with the belief that all lives are equally valuable.

Question 27

What is the utilitarian view on PGD?

Answer 27

Utilitarians support PGD if it maximises happiness and minimises suffering for a greater number of people.

Question 28

What is the Islamic view on embryo research?

Answer 28

Islam teaches that ensoulment occurs approximately 120 days after conception. Before this point, embryos do not hold the same moral status as fully developed humans. This allows for the ethical use of embryos in research, especially when the goal is to alleviate suffering and improve lives, aligning with Islamic values of enhancing well-being.

The Qur’an promotes actions that enhance human lives, as stated in Surah An-Nahl 16:97: “Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.” This verse encourages improving quality of life and aligns with using embryos for medical research to address debilitating diseases.

Question 29

What is the humanist view on embryo research?

Answer 29

Humanist Society Scotland have stated “Humanists believe early embryos can’t be considered ‘a person’. Therefore, they think properly regulated research using embryos and abortions should be allowed.”

Question 30

What ethical concerns do utilitarians have about embryo research?

Answer 30

Some utilitarians support the research use of embryos if it leads to the greater good for society. However, they may also express concern that using embryos could diminish societal respect for vulnerable forms of life, potentially harming societal ethics in the long run.

Question 31

What is the Islamic view on saviour siblings?

Answer 31

Islam encourages the use of knowledge (ilm) for humanity’s benefit, especially in medicine. When technologies like IVF are used ethically to potentially save a child’s life or improve health, they align with Islam’s principle of reducing suffering.

Question 32

What is the humanist view on saviour siblings?

Answer 32

Humanists would the support the selection of embryos to produce a saviour sibling as they don’t see discarded embryos as a person because they don’t have the characterisations associated with a person.

Question 33

What is the Christian View on Saviour Siblings?

Answer 33

Psalm 139:13-14 ”For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” The verse emphasises that each life is purposefully and beautifully created by God, emphasising the concept that each child should be treasured and loved for their own reason, rather than as a means to an end.