Case Study

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Philosophy

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Jun 12, 2024

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1 Operation: Organ Freedom University of Arizona Global Campus Operation: Organ Freedom

2 Molly Nash was diagnosed with the rare genetic disease known as Fanconi Anemia or Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). This condition is known to affect the spongy material inside the bone, leading to gradual deterioration. Unfortunately, the limited knowledge of the disorder at the time meant that the life expectancy rate was no more than 10 years for Molly. This disease is passed down through family genetics and affects the bone marrow. The most feasible treatment option is a bone marrow transplant from a matching sibling donor, which was not available to Molly at the time. The family searched for help in the 90’s but many children did not survive bone marrow transplants that were to no relation to them. It would be rejected because they could not receive the proper amount of radiation and chemotherapy for the repair of the children's DNA. In August of 2000, the Wagner family received a miracle when Adam Nash was born via embryo selection. This innovative technique, however, was highly controversial at the time, with many people considering it as an act of Dr. Wagner attempting to play God. Embryo selection involves screening the embryos before implantation to choose the one with the least likelihood of carrying the disease. The procedure involves in vitro fertilization, where eggs are fertilized with sperm outside the body and implanted into the uterus. In the case of the Nash family, the selection process was done to ensure that the baby would not carry the same disease as their daughter Molly. While the ethics of embryo selection may still be debated, there is no doubt that the procedure has given hope to families faced with genetic disorders. The story of the Nash family's journey highlights the importance of scientific innovation and the ethical considerations that come with it for the future.

3 Is it moral for parents to conceive a child to save the life of a sibling? (150) The decision to conceive a child with the sole purpose of saving the life of another sibling is a complex ethical issue that raises many questions. Society has yet to provide a clear consensus on this matter, and opinions are divided. On one hand, some people believe that the well-being of the child being born or the sibling in need of assistance should be the priority. On the other hand, others believe that this practice infringes on the child's independent rights and should be avoided. These varying beliefs are rooted in religious, cultural, and individual opinions and reflect the complexity of the issue. While some may highlight the well-being of their family and see organ donation as the best way to save their child's life, others may view this as a violation of the child's autonomy and choose to explore alternative options. Regardless of the decision made, it is important to approach this issue with careful consideration and respect for all parties involved. As with any ethical predicament, there are no easy answers, and it is up to the parents to weigh the options and make a decision that aligns with their values and beliefs. Is it moral to conceive to save a sibling's life?

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4 Many parents have difficult life decisions that not only affect their lives, but they also have difficult decisions that affect the well-being of their children's lives. When it comes to defending the right to have a child to save their other child would be a no-brainer for most parents. Doing this for the happiness of their overall family is what they might think is right at that current moment. This is done out of genuine and pure love to save the other child's life. Often this can be argued as a morally positive act. Some cultures and religious people believe this is the idea of self-sacrifice for the well-being of another child while other may feel it interfere with the natural course of procreation. Either way, depending on the parents' willingness to care for their children is how they will go to save their child. I see myself on both sides of this argument. I would do almost anything to save my children's life to protect them and ensure they have what they need in life but based on ethical beliefs, not everyone feels the same. It is not moral to conceive to save a sibling's life. Many key factors fall into place as to why it's unethical to conceive only to save a sibling's life. Are the parent's intentions pure, how does the child feel about having to have multiple surgeries that they technically don’t need to live a sustainable life, is this right in whatever type of Goldy figure one might believe in? The risk alone of having multiple surgeries at an early age could result in

5 traumatic tolls on a person's life. The child that is being conceived did not give their consent to being conceived just be used for their donor organs. This goes against valuing a child's existence for one's own sake. This can also harm them psychologically. They will grow up with many questions ranging from who they are, why are they here, and the circumstances that led to their births which could last a lifetime leading to different forms of depression. Lastly were the parents pressured or coerced into thinking this was the best thing to do? When making a major decision like this, it must be well thought out and understand the consequences that lie ahead. The principle of the greatest good for the greatest number The principle of the greatest good for the greatest number focuses on 5 major points, utilitarianism, Consequentialism, Balancing Interests, Critiques, Application, and challenges. Utilitarianism promotes that actions are right if they produce the greatest overall happiness while consequentialism shows the right action leads to the best consequence for the greatest number. Balancing interest is a decision that always must be made while critiques lead to morally problematic outcomes. Applications and challenges determine how to account for the rights of all groups alike. This principle supports my position statement. This will save a child's life and maximize the happiness of all involved. If conceiving a child is the only viable option, it will be seen as morally justified. This will maximize joy even though it is a complex ethical issue with valid arguments on both sides of the scale.

6 References University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. (2023). Almost two decades later, a doctor reflects on using embryo selection to save a young girl’s life. University of Minnesota . https://twin- cities.umn.edu/news-events/almost-two-decades-later-doctor-reflects-using-embryo- selection-save-young-girls-life

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