Bioethics outline for research paper
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Mercy College of Health Science *
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320
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Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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3
Uploaded by lexim401
There should be a short introductory paragraph that introduces the bioethical
dilemma.
Since the 1970s, scientists have developed techniques for sex selection that have
become increasingly sophisticated over time. These methods are used to separate
sperm that produce male and female offspring, allowing for the creation of embryos of
the desired gender. While this practice is legal in the United States, some critics have
raised concerns about nonmedical sex selection based on parental preferences for a
child of a particular sex. Furthermore, the use of these techniques for nonmedical
purposes is not universally endorsed, as demonstrated by the British ban on nonmedical
sex selection since 2003. In March 2005, a government panel's recommendation that
parents be permitted to use gender selection to balance their families ignited a heated
debate. The question of whether parents should be allowed to choose the gender of
their children remains a topic of discussion and debate in various settings
(
Issues &
Controversies - Gender Selection of Babies
, n.d.)
.
There should be a short explanation of the major ethical issue(s).
One concern is that sex selection would lead to an unbalanced population in
which one gender far outnumbers the other
(U of U Health Authors & Marketing and
Communication, 2015)
. Ethical issues are always considered in sex selection and
preference, and prenatal genetic diagnostic techniques rearranging
spermatozoa are always considered. Selecting the gender of a child before
birth is controversial because, as it is pointed out in human rights, racial
preference is strongly prohibited, so can gender preference be considered an
approved decision, as it is in favor of one gender over another while
diminishing the opposite sex's value in society. Sex selection and gender
preference are considered sexual discrimination and prejudice, and one of its
unwanted effects is gender imbalance. In some Asian countries, this
imbalance favors the male gender, and this issue is seldom seen in Western
European and North American countries
(Eftekhaari et al., 2015).
A somewhat long section of the
Research Paper
should be a section with the
Pros/Cons of the issue(s)--especially as these relate to the applicable moral
theories introduced in the earliest chapter of the textbook.
While some individuals are in favor of PGS studies, others are strongly opposed to it. Those who oppose PGS
research argue that it is not ethical because it has the potential to create an imbalance in the ratio of genders, as
parents may choose to select embryos based on gender preference. Additionally, PGS is only accessible to those
with financial means, which could lead to further discrimination and inequality. Furthermore, it is feared that PGS may
encourage discrimination based on gender and may result in additional genetic discrimination based on preferred
traits, which is a form of eugenics
(Msn, n.d.).
On the other hand, advocates for PGS research contend that parents have the right to decide on the gender of their
child and that PGS has the potential to decrease cruelty towards undesired offspring and lower the rates of abortion.
Moreover, PGS may aid in achieving family equilibrium by allowing parents to select embryos with specific genetic
traits that may benefit their family. Despite the ongoing debate, PGS research remains a topic of interest and concern
in the scientific community
(Msn, n.d.).
Next, there should be a
clear appeal made to at least three moral
theories
that are introduced in the earliest chapter of the textbook in
the defense of one's own position. This should be
the longest section
of the
paper. At a minimum, students must appeal to the following three ethical
theories as they work through the Pros/Cons of the issue: Utilitarianism,
Kantianism, and Virtue Ethics (student may apply additional theories if they
want to do so). What are/might be the Pros/Cons according to
Utilitarianism? According to Kantianism? According to Virtue Ethics? This
sort of deliberation forces the student to think through the issues and gives
evidence of critical thinking and content comprehension.
Considering Utilitarianism as a moral theory, the pros and cons of gender selection of babies
can be evaluated based on the promotion of happiness, which is viewed as the foundation
of all moral obligations (Jones, G. E., & Joseph P. DeMarco (2016). Bioethics in context). On
one hand, gender selection may bring happiness to parents who have a strong preference
for a specific gender. On the other hand, it does raise ethical concerns around the
objectification of children and their reduction to mere objects of parental desire.
Additionally, gender selection may lead to a gender imbalance in society, which could
negatively impact the happiness of the overall population. Ultimately, the pros and cons of
gender selection using Utilitarianism must be carefully weighed and evaluated on a case-by-
case basis to determine the best course of action.
According to Kantianism, the morality of an action is determined not by its consequences
but by the intention behind the action
(Jones, G. E., & Joseph P. DeMarco (2016)
. From this
perspective, the use of gender selection techniques for non-medical purposes is
unethical, as it treats children as means to an end rather than as individuals with
inherent human dignity and worth. Furthermore, Kant's second formulation of the
Categorical Imperative, which states that we should always treat people as ends in
themselves and never merely as means to an end
(Jones, G. E., & Joseph P. DeMarco
(2016)
, suggests that gender selection is morally impermissible. By selecting embryos
based on their gender, parents are treating their future child as a means to fulfilling their
desires rather than as an end in itself. However, it could be argued that in some cases,
gender selection may be permissible under Kantianism if it is used for medical reasons,
such as to prevent the transmission of a genetic disorder that affects only one gender. In
such cases, the intention behind the action is to prevent harm rather than to fulfill a
personal desire. Using gender selection techniques for non-medical purposes conflicts
with Kant's ethical framework and raises significant moral concerns.
When analyzing the pros and cons of gender selection of babies from a Virtue Ethics
perspective, one must consider whether this practice aligns with society’s virtues and
values. Virtue Ethics emphasizes individuals' character and moral virtues rather than the
consequences of their actions
(Jones, G. E., & Joseph P. DeMarco (2016)
. On one hand,
gender selection may be seen as a way for parents to fulfill their desire for a child of a
particular gender. However, this could be seen as selfish from a Virtue Ethics
perspective. Contrary to the virtue of temperance, which emphasizes self-control and
moderation
(Jones, G. E., & Joseph P. DeMarco (2016)
.
Furthermore, gender selection may reinforce gender stereotypes and contribute to the
objectification of individuals based on their gender. This goes against the virtue of justice,
which emphasizes treating individuals fairly and respectfully
(Jones, G. E., & Joseph P.
DeMarco (2016)
. On the other hand, gender selection may be seen as a way for parents
to create a balanced and harmonious family. From a Virtue Ethics perspective, this could
align with the virtues of compassion and empathy, as parents may want a child of a
particular gender to meet the needs of their existing children. Overall, the morality of
gender selection using Virtue Ethics must be evaluated based on whether it aligns with
the important virtues and values for individuals and society.
Then, students should conclude with a clear statement of the student's
position on the issue(s) and a final summation of the reasons.
There should be a list of works that were cited in the paper itself (i.e., the
resources -- the listing of the selected bibliography). Students should cite
at
least five different sources
(including the textbook) each at least once in the
Research Paper itself. Then, these cited sources are listed at the end.
Eftekhaari, T. E., Nejatizadeh, A. A., Rajaei, M., Soleimanian, S., Fallahi, S., Ghaffarzadegan,
R., & Mahmoudi, F. (2015). Ethical considerations in sex selection.
PubMed
,
4
, 32.
https://doi.org/10.4103/2277-9531.157184
Issues & Controversies - Gender selection of babies
. (n.d.).
https://icof.infobase.com/articles/QXJ0aWNsZVRleHQ6MTYwODI=
Jones, G. E., & Joseph P. DeMarco (2016).
Bioethics in context. Broadview Press.
https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781460405352
Msn, L. M. S., RN. (n.d.).
Ethical Considerations of Nonmedical Preconception Gender
Selection research
. The Aquila Digital Community.
https://aquila.usm.edu/ojhe/vol6/iss1/3/
U of U Health Authors & Marketing and Communication. (2015, July 10). Sex selection raises
legal, ethical concerns.
University of Utah Health | University of Utah Health
.
https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2015/07/sex-selection-raises-legal-ethical-concerns
Students should check out the library's
libguide:
https://libguides.mchs.edu/las/ethicsphilosophy
.
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