Discussion Post: Philosophy Biomedical Ethics
• We are shifting our focus this week to the beginning of life and our obligations to future children. This week we are discussing obligations to children-to-be (fetuses intended to have) and pregnant women's rights as citizens. Our readings focus on the specific case of Melissa Rowland, but as I discuss in my notes, that case is part of a larger context. Law and philosophy have had a very difficult time with the status of the pregnant woman. What does it mean to respect her autonomy? Is the pregnant woman one person or two? What are the alternatives? What is right? Rowland's case is an extreme case. Don't let that distract you from the range of related cases. Once again, this forum will be an excellent place to practice listening, generosity, and respectful engagement.
• Most parents intend the best for their children. But do parents have a duty to avoid harming their children by passing on genetic or other diseases to them? What are the ethical implications of prenatal testing? Is it an ethical requirement or ethically problematic? Asch discusses how the attitude of trying to give a child the best chances in having a good life can be also seen as discriminatory against a group, namely, those with disabilities. Is that right? How do the ethical questions change when the method of prenatal testing is no longer amniocentesis, but PGD? We'll especially consider that question with respect to sibling donors.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.