Question

ction.

3) What kind of limits, if any, do you think should be imposed upon “artificial” methods of reproduction?

4) How could the Categorical Imperative from Duty Ethics apply to deciding whether to follow a Do Not Resuscitate Order when the family of the patient opposes it?

5) Discuss the concept of hospice care from a Utilitarian perspective.

6) Sort through the ethical question of whether it is justifiable to transplant an organ solely for the purpose of extending a patient’s life. What additional factors, if any, should be considered?

7) Apply any one of the health care principles in discussing the use of technology that can test DNA for certain genetic predispositions, (e.g. identifying BRAC genes as indicators for ovarian cancer).

8) What ethical considerations should be taken to determine whether any given mass screening should take place?

9) Discuss the possible ethical concerns involved in conducting medical research on suicide, now a leading factor in the decrease in US life expectancy.

10) How would you sort through the ethical issues regarding patients with legitimate needs for strong pain medication being limited because of others in the system abusing these medications?

11) An increasing number of measles cases were reported last year. Can you construct an ethical argument showing that NY schools were correct in refusing admittance to students who were not vaccinated?

12) Discuss the growing challenges of elder care/abuse from a Virtue Ethics perspective.

Answer 1

1. Types of limits to be imposed upon “artificial” methods of reproduction:

Artificial methods of reproduction techniques are otherwise called Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). These include in vitro fertilization (IVF), Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), tubal embryo transfer (TET), gamete or embryo donation, cryopreservation, and micromanipulation. Other than these cloning is also there but it is illegal to clone humans. Cloning is the process of creating a genetically identical copy of a cell or an organism. There are several disadvantages associated with many of these treatments. The most important one is the success rate, which is not guaranteed in any of the above techniques. The risks/disadvantages associated with these include ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome, multiple pregnancies, a higher chance of ectopic pregnancy, increased risk of prematurity and low birth weight, emotionally demanding for the mother, expensive, ethical concerns etc. Problems could arise from the anonymity of donors of semen, eggs, or embryos. Surrogate mothers also raise concerns about privacy. The right to privacy of citizens becomes an issue here. On the basis of this legal issue, limits can be imposed upon artificial methods of reproduction. Considering the success rate and expenses, taxation for artificial reproductive methods can also be considered, which will limit access and popularity of these methods.