1. Genetic Engineering and Embryo Research

3. What is Embryo Research?
It aims to find cures for serious illnesses using tissue or cells from embryos
Concentrates on stem cells and the field of regenerative medicine (the repair of damaged organs and body parts)
There are ethical issues surrounding embryonic stem cells as they are removed from early embryos, destroying the embryo in the process

4. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
The law says that no embryo can be used after 14 days from conception
Embryo research is allowed for the following purposes only:
To promote advances in fertility treatment
To increase knowledge about the causes of congenital diseases
To increase knowledge about the causes of miscarriage
To develop more effectives techniques of contraception
To develop methods for detecting the presence of gene or chromosome abnormalities

5. How Genetic Engineering is used
Genetically engineered crops – “Frankenfoods”
Selecting human genes – “Designer babies”
Testing and genetic screening
The alteration of human genes
Stem cell research

7. “Frankenfoods”? The issues are:
GM crops threaten the environment through cross-pollination
GM crops could have unknown future health effects
Effects on the developing world – exploitation of poor farmers
Concerns about globalisation
GM food cannot be seen as the sole solution to world hunger

8. “Designer babies”? Involves destroying unwanted and unsuitable embryos
If embryos are seen as persons from conception then they have intrinsic value and dignity – destruction is wrong
BUT, some people argue an embryo is not a person (Peter Singer)
If an early embryo is not a person with full rights we don’t know if it feels pain

9. The alteration of human genes
There are 2 types:
Germ line therapy: We take charge of our own evolution. Could change the whole of humanity. Could end up being a genetic ‘super race’
Somatic cell therapy: Altering the disposition of genes. Diseases involve the interaction of many genes and the environment, not just caused by genes.

11. Sanctity of Life
Biblical teaching: God created humans in His own image and so human life has intrinsic value
Depends on when you think life begins

12. Religious (Christian) Ethics
Catholics base their ethics on Natural Law – positive about medical advances but never at the expense of human life (which begins at conception)
Other Christians may take a different view and follow a Situation Ethics line based on agape. Actions are good if based on love, bad if based on selfishness

13. Natural Law
Basic principle – everything is created for a purpose. Humans can use reason to work out the ‘right’ thing to do
Has the primary precept of ‘self-preservation’. Could be argued this means ‘no embryo research’ (as it destroys a potential life). Could mean ‘embryo research OK’ as it preserves life by curing diseases

14. Utilitarianism
Basic principle – the greatest good for the greatest number
Only works if it is actually possible to assess the results of genetic engineering and embryo research
Bentham’s Hedonic Calculus can only be applied to those who suffer (do embryos suffer?)

15. Kantian Ethics
Basic principle – universal maxims (the Categorical Imperative) and treat others as ends in themselves and living in a kingdom of ends
Hard to universalise laws about genetic engineering and embryo research
Kant stresses that we should act out of duty only – this ignores all consequences