Question

Has biotechnology crossed the moral line? Click on the links below to read the articles, and then discuss one or more of the following areas:

human cloning

assisted reproductive technology (ART)

experimentation with organs from aborted fetuses

Which ethical theory did you find most valuable and useful for examining these issues?  Which theory would be the least useful to you? Explain.

https://cbhd.org/content/human-cloning (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

http://www.thehastingscenter.org/Publications/BriefingBook/Detail.aspx?id=2210 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/growing-human-kidneys-in-rats-sparks-ethical-debate/ (Links to an external site.)

Answer 1

In my opinion, biotechnology hasn’t crossed the line because just like any other scientific advancement, it’s also a field trying to show that the humans have advanced cognitive skills.

Human cloning – Human cloning is the artificial reproduction of a human by using the cells from the human body. When someone wants to live again with the same human body and mind, human cloning comes handy. Sometimes, it seems alright to duplicate good people but what if terrorists are cloned, criminals are cloned, dictators are cloned. It would cause great havoc on humanity. As long as it is regulated there is no problem.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) – ART came as a boon to people who were not able to create a child naturally. Science invents methods that would help people who can’t do it naturally, so it’s only increasing the happiness of the couple and other people around them.

Experimentation with organs from aborted fetuses – The aborted fetus is already dead and after death it’s only a bundle of tissue. This experiment is like someone donating their organs. So, the research on the fetus’ organ might shed new light in the development of a child in the womb. Argument against would be that a fetus is also a human who needs the right for a funeral.

I find the Utilitarian theory most useful which suggests that any action is a moral action if it increases the utility or benefit and reduce harm to others. All the three methods increase the happiness and maximize utility to the concerned people and it doesn’t harm anyone else in the process.

Deontological theory would be least useful because it suggests fulfilling one’s duty without worrying about the outcomes.