Download Teacher Material: Medical Ethics, Chapter 8

Morality in the Modern World 2nd Edition: Teacher’s Book Additional Materials
Medical Ethics: The Use of Human Embryos
When does life begin?
A
Read pages 225-226. Imagine that the couple has written to you, an
agony auntie in a magazine and you must write a response to their
dilemma. Write your response here basing it on one of the following (or
write your own response according to what you actually think….)
 They shouldn’t allow the spare embryos to be used for research –
these are their potential children – more than mere chemicals
 They should allow the embryos to be used as they can help others
through the scientific findings which using them might achieve
 They should not have IVF – it is “meddling with nature”
 They should carry on with the IVF and accept the consequences of
producing more eggs than is strictly necessary
Dear Couple….
This is a very difficult decision for you and many other couples
have faced the same concerns when thinking about what to do
here…….
Page 1 of 17
© Joe Walker 2011
Morality in the Modern World 2nd Edition: Teacher’s Book Additional Materials
B
Read pages 227-232. The following information relates to the various
stages when life may or may not begin. Cut out the following 9 cards and
lay them out on a table. Cut out the rest of the cards and put each piece of
information underneath the correct possible point where life might begin.
Ovum and sperm
Ensoulment
The moment of
conception
Implantation
The primal streak
The quickening
Consciousness
Viability
Birth
Where the two
parts which go
to make up the
fertilised
embryo are still
separate
All the genetic
information to
make a person is
found here
Some believe
this happens
anything from
40 – 90 days
after conception
People who
think this is
when life begins
would oppose
the use of
contraception
This is the
combination of
ovum and sperm
These
individually
have the
‘potential for
life’
For some, this
joining of two
things is the
start of the
unbroken
process of life
This is when the Because this
biological
thing now has a
becomes the
soul it is now
spiritual
fully human
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These cannot be
when life begins
because that
would make a
skin cell a
potential life too
Some argue this
fertilised ‘being’
is still a
collection of
cells
Differences of
opinion about
when this
happens make it
unlikely that this
is when life
begins
© Joe Walker 2011
Morality in the Modern World 2nd Edition: Teacher’s Book Additional Materials
Where the preThis takes place At this point the
embryo attaches around 6-7 days life of the
to the wall of the after fertilisation developing
uterus
embryo and its
mother are
bound together
Here, the basics Perhaps from
This stage is
of the nervous
this point on the linked to the 14system begin
embryo can feel day rule for
pain
embryo research
When the
The mother may
mother first feels feels this , but
the child moving there has always
been movement
of the embryo
Feeling this
movement
happens at
different times
for different
mothers
At this point, the The embryo may Thinking is
embryo has
have brain
regarded by
perhaps started
activity but
some as a mark
thinking
perhaps this is
that the embryo
not the same as
is now ‘more
thinking
human’
It is linked to the Some argue that At this point the
24th week of
if the baby can
link between the
pregnancy limit survive without mother and baby
its mother then it can be broken
is clearly fully
without the baby
human
automatically
ceasing to exist
Although the
Some see this is Even after this
baby is no
an unbroken
event, some
longer in its
continuum from people still argue
mother’s womb dependence to
that act against
– it is still
independence
humans in ways
dependent upon
that go against
others for its
their wishes
survival
Page 3 of 17
The pre-embryo
does not
“decide” this –
it’s just the next
stage in
development
Perhaps the
neural system is
beginning but
perhaps that’s
not the same as
fully functioning
The point at
which brain
activity can
begin to be
measured
This is the point
at which the
embryo can
survive outside
the womb
This marks the
end of
pregnancy
There may be a
difference of
only a few
seconds between
this stage and
the following
stage
© Joe Walker 2011
Morality in the Modern World 2nd Edition: Teacher’s Book Additional Materials
C
Read pages 232–233. Which of the following statements is most likely to
be said by?
 A Christian
 A Buddhist
 A Secularist
Life is a gift
from God
Life, death
and rebirth
are a
continuous
process
Life begins
and ends all
the time
Life is sacred
Life may begin before
birth but that doesn’t
automatically mean
the developing human
should be protected
from everything
A fertilised
embryo is
completely
human
Life begins at
the moment
of conception
All that is you
flows like a
river to the
next you
From
conception
onwards the
embryo has
all it needs to
be fully
human
There is
probably a
distinction
between being
potentially
humans and
fully human
A pre embryo is
fully human
because it is
fully linked to
the kamma of
the person that
it was
Human life
has value but
we don’t
always
respect its
value even in
adult humans
Page 4 of 17
A pre-embryo
is simply a
continuation
of a previous
existence
Life is not
sacred – not
a gift of any
god
© Joe Walker 2011
Morality in the Modern World 2nd Edition: Teacher’s Book Additional Materials
Medical Ethics: The Use of Human Embryos
Stem cell research
A
Read pages 233-236 Match up the following words/phrases with their
meanings
Word/phrase
Blastocyst
Meaning
A common way to describe in-vitro
fertilisation
Stem Cells
Cells which have the potential to
grow into various forms of body
tissue
Having the potential to become
virtually any kind of body cell
HESCs
IVF
Test-tube baby
Undifferentiated cells sourced from
embryos at around 5 days after
fertilisation
The container in which IVF is
carried out
Petri dish
A collection of undifferentiated
cells
Pluripotent
A cell which has not yet become
linked to a specific organ or
function
Fertilisation of an ovum outside of
the uterus
Undifferentiated Cell
Page 5 of 17
© Joe Walker 2011
Morality in the Modern World 2nd Edition: Teacher’s Book Additional Materials
B
Read pages 236-238 where you will find examples of differences of
opinion within Christianity about stem cell research.
For each opinion complete the following summary of the arguments used
to support that opinion using the following cards. You should complete
the card and then pass to others in your class who can add or correct
anything they think you have missed out or got wrong.
View
Evidence or argument which supports this view
Using
embryonic stem
cells is wrong in
all cases
View
Evidence or argument which supports this view
Using
embryonic stem
cells is
acceptable in
some cases
View
Evidence or argument which supports this view
Using
embryonic stem
cells is
acceptable in
all cases
Page 6 of 17
© Joe Walker 2011
Morality in the Modern World 2nd Edition: Teacher’s Book Additional Materials
C
Read page 238. Design a piece of artwork which links the Buddhist
concept of karuna (compassion) to the issue of the sue of
embryos/embryonic stem cells
Karuna……..
Page 7 of 17
© Joe Walker 2011
Morality in the Modern World 2nd Edition: Teacher’s Book Additional Materials
D
Read pages 238-239. each of the following statements is wrong (at least
most secularists might argue so). Explain why it is wrong and write a
correct version of the statement
1. Secularists support sanctity of life arguments
2. Secularists regard life as having little value
3. Carefully regulated embryonic stem cell research is morally
unacceptable because it is of no benefit
4. A Utilitarian would argue that stem cell research is wrong because
it makes use of many in order to benefit only a few
5. A blastocyst is fully human
6. An early stage embryo has a fully developed brain and nervous
system so can suffer
7. Secularists see no need for regulations concerning embryonic stem
cell research
8. Kantian philosophy thinks that no-one has any duty to help others
through stem cell research
9. For Kantians, there is no need to protect a developing embryo
10.In Kantian ethics, using an embryo for research purposes is an
acceptable means to an end
Page 8 of 17
© Joe Walker 2011
Morality in the Modern World 2nd Edition: Teacher’s Book Additional Materials
Medical Ethics: The Use of Human Embryos
IVF treatments
A
Read pages 240-243. This explores the issue of IVF and some criticisms
of it.
For each of the following criticisms, complete the empty box by
explaining fully what the criticism is all about. Add your own view about
this criticism too.
Criticism
This means…
My view of this is…
May affect the
health of the
woman going
through it
May affect the
health of any
re-implanted
fertilised ovum
May not be
good for the
mental health
of the mother
(or father)
Has a low
success rate
Uses up scarce
medical
resources
Page 9 of 17
© Joe Walker 2011
Morality in the Modern World 2nd Edition: Teacher’s Book Additional Materials
Is ‘playing
God’
Could lead to a
‘slippery slope’
Could make
designer babies
a more
acceptable idea
B
Read pages 243-245. This explains the viewpoints of Christians,
Buddhists and Secularists on the issue of IVF
The following sentences have been jumbled so that they make no sense.
When ordered correctly each one will express a viewpoint which might
be said by a Christian, Buddhist or Secularist. Organise each sentence so
that it makes sense and then identify which viewpoint it is linked to:
1. Some Christians oppose IVF completely with the natural processes of
reproduction Therefore, they would be likely to accept the donation of
sperm and ova
2. One Christians view is that the risks because they see it as a valid
medical intervention
3. In Christianity, IVF is wrong because it interferes with natural family
relationships
4. One Roman Catholic view is that IVF interferes of IVF processes are
too high
5. Some Christians however would support IVF in a limited way no
matter what kind of relationship you are in
6. However, while some Christians support IVF, they would only
support it in the context of a stable married relationship
7. Some Christians accept IVF in all cases
Page 10 of 17
© Joe Walker 2011
Morality in the Modern World 2nd Edition: Teacher’s Book Additional Materials
8. For Buddhists, the principle of compassion is important. because they
think it is playing God
9. Buddhists would also duty to help
10.Secularists would probably support IVF others and perhaps this can be
done through IVF
11.For a Secularist, IVF is just another medical procedure
12.However, Secularists would also want to be careful about IVF because
it might be a step along the path to full genetic selection
13.Utilitarians might argue that IVF benefits the majority and so is
acceptable
14.However, Utilitarians might also question IVF if it is heading in the
direction of full genetic selection
15.For Kantians, we have a they would be likely to support IVF
Answers for teachers!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Some Christians oppose IVF completely because they think it is playing God
One Christians view is that the risks of IVF processes are too high
In Christianity, IVF is wrong because it interferes with natural family relationships
One Roman Catholic view is that IVF interferes with the natural processes of reproduction
Some Christians however would support IVF in a limited way
However, while some Christians support IVF, they would only support it in the context of a stable married
relationship
Some Christians accept IVF in all cases because they see it as a valid medical intervention
For Buddhists, the principle of compassion is important. Therefore, they would be likely to support IVF
Buddhists would also accept the donation of sperm and ova
Secularists would probably support IVF no matter what kind of relationship you are in
For a Secularist, IVF is just another medical procedure
However, Secularists would also want to be careful about IVF because it might be a step along the path to
full genetic selection
Utilitarians might argue that IVF benefits the majority and so is acceptable
However, Utilitarians might also question IVF if it is heading in the direction of full genetic selection
For Kantians, we have a duty to help others and perhaps this can be done through IVF
Page 11 of 17
© Joe Walker 2011
Morality in the Modern World 2nd Edition: Teacher’s Book Additional Materials
Medical Ethics: The Use of Human Embryos
Genetic Selection
A
Read pages 246-249 and then complete the following table:
Form of
Genetic
Selection
Benefits
Dangers
PGD
Germline
Therapy
Page 12 of 17
© Joe Walker 2011
Morality in the Modern World 2nd Edition: Teacher’s Book Additional Materials
B
Using the information above, write a newspaper article which supports or
rejects either PGD or Germline Therapy using the following template:
1. Explanatory section explaining what your chosen area is
2. A written argument supporting this process
3. A written argument opposing this process
Your article should be aimed at the general public and so should be
relatively simple (avoiding too much scientific jargon)
C
Read pages 249-251. Your task is now to have a balloon debate where a
Christian, Buddhist and Secularist talk through the issues related to
Genetic Selection. Your class should vote off (one by one) those who
don’t convince them!
Here are some help cards for each viewpoint:
Christian
Buddhist
Secularist











Some completely oppose
genetic selection because
it’s playing God
An embryo is valued by
God
Only God should decide
what lives or dies
But you can use it to help
families who have
genetically passed-on
conditions
But it should not be used for
gender selection
That would lead to the
‘slippery slope’ argument
However, embryo research
can provide benefits which
Christians should not
automatically reject
Genetic selection could ‘fall
into the wrong hands’ and
be misused
Humans do not have the
ability to deal with the
moral complexities of this
process




Genetic selection can be
supported if it reduces
suffering
It could cancel out the
possibility of inherited
illness
But it should probably not
be used for cosmetic
purposes because this would
be a desire and desire is to
be avoided
Children should not be
made the way we want them
to be – they should be
allowed to develop naturally
Genetic selection would
give parents too much
power over their children’s
future and this is wrong






Page 13 of 17
It could be used as just
another medical procedure
and so help people a lot
Even saviour siblings isn’t
all bad – because it would
be helping someone as a
“by product” of a wanted
child anyway
Perhaps some gender
selection is desirable where
gender-related illnesses can
be prevented
If you want to choose how
your child looks or what
features it has – that’s up to
you – it’s a free world
But of course, if everyone
could choose then that
might make the world a
very odd place
If genetic selection benefits
the majority (even at the
expense of the minority)
then it is to be welcomed
It is our duty to help people
wherever we can – if
genetic selection can do this
then why not…
© Joe Walker 2011
Morality in the Modern World 2nd Edition: Teacher’s Book Additional Materials
Medical Ethics: The Use of Human Embryos
HFEA guidelines/UK Law
A
Read pages 251-252 and carry out some research into the HEA
guidelines and UK law:
Then complete the following information sheet:
The purpose of the HFEA Guidelines
The basics of the Human fertilisation &
Embryology Act 1990
Research up to the 14th day of development
is permitted for at least one of these reasons
Conditions which the HFEA guidelines supports
Page 14 of 17
© Joe Walker 2011
Morality in the Modern World 2nd Edition: Teacher’s Book Additional Materials
Medical Ethics: The Use of Human Embryos
Moral Implications of the Use of Embryos
A
Read pages 253-254
For each of the following statements, explain whether a Christian would
be most likely to agree or disagree with the statement. If you are not sure,
then explain why you are uncertain.
1. Life begins at the moment of conception
2. Using embryos for research purposes is ‘playing God’
3. The embryo can be used for research purposes up until the 14 th day
of its development
4. Sometimes embryo research is acceptable because of the greater
good it can bring
5. In an ideal world there would be no need for embryo research
6. Embryos should never be sued for research purposes
7. The embryo is not a person
8. Embryos have rights, but not full human rights
9. Embryo research can be carried out for any reason
10.animal-human hybrid research is wrong
11.Christians would be against any processes involving parthenogenic
embryos
12.The Christian Church is united against germline therapy
13.Cloning may be acceptable in some cases
B
Read page 255. For each of the following statements, explain whether a
Buddhist would be most likely to agree or disagree with the statement. If
you are not sure, then explain why you are uncertain.
1. Buddhists believe that using embryos for research is ‘playing God’
2. There is one unified Buddhist response to embryo research
3. According to Buddhists, humans can do anything they want to as
far as embryos is concerned
4. Buddhists would reject all genetic technologies
5. The Dalai Lama once said that the creation of a perfectly good
person would be a good idea
Page 15 of 17
© Joe Walker 2011
Morality in the Modern World 2nd Edition: Teacher’s Book Additional Materials
6. The Buddhist principle of compassion plays no part in Buddhist
thinking about embryo research
7. Kamma plays a role in Buddhist thinking about embryo research
8. It would be possible for a Buddhist to support the use of embryos
where this might bring benefits to others
9. The intention of the action in Buddhism is an important part of
whether or not embryo research is acceptable
C
Read pages 255-256 and visit the website of the British Humanist
Association (you might also like to look at the links on this site to other
Humanist organisations around the world.
Complete the boxes with viewpoints/beliefs about the use of embryos for
research purposes. Indicate which religion or viewpoint holds this
belief/view. Now draw a line between boxes where you think the
belief/views shared by more than one religion/viewpoint
Page 16 of 17
© Joe Walker 2011
Morality in the Modern World 2nd Edition: Teacher’s Book Additional Materials
Page 17 of 17
© Joe Walker 2011