Selecting Babies
In recent years, embryo screening has become a controversial topic as it allows doctors to identify genetic mutations in embryos before implantation. Some scientists and advocates claim that screening and researching human embryos is unethical. Meanwhile, others assert that research and screening can be justified since they are not fully developed and functioning humans, and such approaches can benefit both parents and children. The Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) authorized a British couple to screen embryos for a mutation that increases cholesterol levels and the likelihood of coronary problems in the case study Selecting Babies (Vaughn, 2017). The decision has sparked controversy over the ethics of such methods.
Embryos with Treatable Disorders
Embryo screening can identify various genetic conditions, including some that are treatable with drugs and diet. In the case of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), diet and statin drugs might be used to treat the problem. Opponents claim that testing embryos for curable problems poses ethical issues since it permits parents to kill embryos that would have grown into children who would have had happy and healthy lives (Sills & Palermo, 2019). The Pontifical Academy argued that using embryos for research is ethically wrong, in contrast to scientists like Steinbock, who stated that since they are not fully grown persons, it is entirely acceptable (Biomedical Ethics, 2023).
However, it is the right of parents to make an informed decision regarding their family planning options (Sills & Palermo, 2019). In my opinion, the parents must have complete autonomy in terms of pregnancy and prenatal care. If they prefer to have a child without a genetic predisposition to a treatable condition, they should have the option to do so. Otherwise, it should be considered unethical and immoral to limit parents’ rights.
Embryos with a Probable Serious Disease
The decision to screen embryos for a probable severe disease is more complex. While it is morally permissible to prevent the birth of a child with a debilitating or fatal disease, the situation becomes more complicated when the disease is not specific to develop (Sills & Palermo, 2019). In such cases, it is up to the parents to decide whether to implant embryos with a genetic predisposition or not.
Fatal Disease in Middle Age
When considering the case of a child who is likely to develop certain disabilities or diseases in middle age, parents must also focus on the child’s best interests. It is important to note that the decision should be based on the child’s best interests and not on the parents’ convenience. I believe that acting in one’s interests and disregarding the child’s health must be considered selfish and, therefore, unethical.
Severely Disabled and Suffering Persons
It is morally impermissible to cause the existence of persons who are severely disabled and likely to suffer horribly throughout their lives. The decision to screen embryos for severe disabilities is, therefore, justified. Nevertheless, it is essential to mention that the decision should be based on the severity of the disability and not on the convenience of the parents (Sills & Palermo, 2019). Therefore, when it is the case of making people with disabilities from which they will suffer their entire life exist, it should be considered unacceptable and unethical. The reason for this is that the parents will deliberately make a choice, knowing that their child will be struggling, which is self-centered and inconsiderate.
References
Biomedical Ethics. (2023). Reproductive control [Lecture].
Sills, S. E., & Palermo, G. D. (2019). Human embryos and preimplantation genetic technologies: Ethical, social, and public policy aspects. Elsevier Science.
Vaughn, L. (2017). Bioethics: Principles, issues, and cases. Oxford University Press.