11
Bioethics/Biotechnology Chapter 13: Essence Perry

Bioethics and Biotechnology

  • Upload
    essence

  • View
    92

  • Download
    2

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Bioethics/Biotechnology Chapter 13: Essence Perry

1. Ethical Thought Utilitarian: Tries to out weigh all possible outcomes, produce the greatest good, and the end justifies the means.Deontological: Starts with certain absolutes that can not be crossed, no matter how much good might be achieved, to maintain an ethically correct outcome.

2. Molly and Adam CaseMost bioethicists conclude that this was appropriate because Adam was not physically harmed by providing cord blood for his sister Molly. In addition, no evidence was indicated that Adam was being abused at home or that he was only conceived to save his sister. If a parent doesn’t mistreat the child after birth and gives a child an option to refuse, in my opinion it is ethical.

3. Pros/Cons of GM crops Pros ● Easier adoption of no- or reduced

till farming● Saves time, equipment usage, fuel

and carbon emissions ● Improved weed control● Soil preservation & moisture

retention● Less worry about pest damage ● Less time spent on crop walking

and/or insecticide application● Reduces carbon emissions● Improved quality (e.g., lower levels

of mycotoxins in GM insect-resistant maize)

Cons ● Impact on non-target organisms

in the environment● Whether the modified crop might

persist in the environment longer than usual

● Invade new habitats● Likelihood and consequences of

a gene being transferred unintentionally from the modified crop to other species

4. Applying growth hormone in plants. ● Will this hormone affect other

organisms around it? ● Will this crop be harmful to

humans?● What group will be used to test

this crop? ● Will consumers be notified that

they are eating a GM crop?● Is it safe to expose people to

foreign hormones?

5. Human Being vs. Person A human-being is an entity that has been given legal and social rights but a person exhibits certain qualities that are characteristics that only people have: creed, emotions, empathy, etc.

6. Government funding for science. The government should pay for scientific research if their hypotheses and goals are clearly stated. There should be proper documentation, and a started trial for at least one year, so information can be gathered.

7.Cholesterol gene therapy A bioethicist following a deontological approach would propose a “greatest good for the greatest number. If this can lower cholesterol levels and allow people to enjoy fatty foods, then it is safe to assume some number of people will die prematurely because of this therapy.

8. Informing other drug companies. From an ethics perspective one could argue that for the overall benefit of improving human health, drug companies should share information to help facilitate the development of drugs that cure. However, there is no legal requirement for companies to do so.

9. Food allergens and liability.

If a company can afford to use GM sources than they should be using them to get rid of unwarranted allergies. Companies that can’t afford to use GM sources should clearly state on the label the allergies their product can cause.

10. Cells and in vitro.

If the embryo is not harmed in the process then it should be used for two purposes: stem cell tissue and a potential baby.