Applying to Genetic Engineering

Applying to Genetic Engineering

1. Natural Law

   • goes against primary precepts
     • protection of innocent life- embryos are destroyed when embryonic stem cells are removed
     • reproduction- embryos are made in lab not result of sex between man and wife
   • embryonic research goes against sanctity of life

2. Situation Ethics

   • opposed to creating embryos in order to use them for genetic research as it shows no respect to human life and not most loving thing
   • allows embryos left over for IVF to be used if it would mean it would help people in future e.g. lead to cure for diseases

3. Categorical Imperative (Kantian Ethics)

   • wouldn't approve
   • universalisability- human race would die out if all embryos were used for research
   • treat people as ends- treating either adult who donated or embryo as a means to an end in order to cure disease

4. Utilitarianism

   • if embryos can feel pleasure and pain, it would be wrong to use for research.
   • against because it costs a lot of money which could be better used to help starving in 3rd world countries
     • no guarantee of success
   • wouldn't oppose adult research as it's been proven to work and has helped many people therefore providing better quality of life and more pleasure

5. Church

   • Disapproves embryonic stem cell research as life begins at conception
   • goes against sanctity of life, only God can create and take life
   • However Pope said people with Downs fall short of what it is to be fully human, therefore we should use reason and innovation to prevent people from being born with the disease
     • went on to say in modern world we're far too concerned with material and should focus on our relationship with God
   • Paul Ramsey (Methodist)- doesn't approve of IVF as it's a 'refusal of God's image in our own', life should be created by husband and wife with aid of God
     • doesn't oppose genetic engineering because it helps improve quality of life