PHI-413V Topic 2 DQ 2

How does your worldview of human value affect your beliefs about bioethical issues, such as abortion, designer babies, and stem cell research?
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to the “Discussion Question Rubric” and “Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.

Solution

My worldview on human value is grounded in the belief that all human beings have intrinsic worth and dignity, regardless of their stage of life, abilities, or circumstances. This perspective shapes my views on bioethical issues like abortion, designer babies, and stem cell research. In the case of abortion, I hold that human life is sacred from conception, as each person is made with purpose and value. Therefore, I believe abortion is morally problematic, as it ends a life that has inherent worth. However, I acknowledge that complex situations, such as when the life of the mother is in danger or in cases of severe fetal abnormality, can create difficult ethical dilemmas. I support a compassionate approach in these circumstances, understanding that a mother’s health and safety are important considerations.

When it comes to designer babies, I believe that while the potential to eliminate genetic disorders is promising, it raises significant concerns about the ethical implications of modifying human genes. Altering genetic traits could lead to a society where people are valued not for who they are but for their genetic makeup, which might intensify social inequality (Chowdhury et al., 2021). Additionally, I worry that the sanctity of life may be compromised by the idea of “creating” children to meet specific desires rather than allowing life to unfold naturally. This concerns me from the standpoint of human dignity and the belief that every life is valuable as it is.

Regarding stem cell research, I believe it holds immense potential for advancing medicine, particularly in areas like regenerative treatments (Haleem Abusalah et al., 2024). However, the ethical consideration of using embryonic stem cells must be handled with great care. The destruction of embryos for research raises questions about the moral status of the embryo and the respect due to human life at all stages. On the other hand, adult stem cell research, which does not involve the destruction of embryos, offers a promising alternative that aligns better with the principle of respecting human dignity.

References

Chowdhury, G. R., Dutta, S., Mukherjee, P., & Mitra, A. (2021). ‘Designer Babies’: From Mythos to Ethos and Beyond-Scientific Conquest or Moral Caveat. https://www.academia.edu/download/75336693/BABY_OF_YOUR_CHOICE.pdf

Haleem Abusalah, M. A., Syafirah Engku Abd Rahman, E. N., & Choudhary, O. P. (2024). Evolving trends in stem cell therapy: An emerging and promising approach against various diseases. International Journal of Surgery (London, England), 110(11), 6862. https://doi.org/10.1097/JS9.0000000000001948

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