Capella Week 5 Ethical Issues with Genetics & Embryonic Stem Cell Research Discussion

Discussion: Ethical is Issues with Genetics -Read Chapter 3, “Genetic Control,” on pages 163–184 in your Intervention and Reflection: Basic Issues in Bioethics (Concise Ed). Boston, MA: Wadsworth by Munson, R., 2014 text book. Also read the article by philosopher Michael Sandel discusses the ethical questions surrounding stem cell research. Sandel, M. J. (2004). Embryo ethics—the moral logic of stem-cell research. The New England Journal of Medicine, 351(3), 207–209.

1. The opening scenario in Week 5 presents one of several ethical questions and dilemmas that genetics raises for health care. Problems also follow from our ever-increasing mastery of genetic engineering, including the ability to manipulate the human genome, so that we can “edit” eggs, sperm, or embryos to make genetically modified children. Should people be allowed to request gene-edited babies? Although the technology is not quite there yet for that to be an immediate problem, it’s not far off. Another set of ethical questions surrounds our current use of embryonic stem cells. The article by Michael Sandel (“Embryo Ethics—The Moral Logic of Stem-Cell Research”) in this week’s reading.

Among the ethical quandaries presented by genetic control, which do you find most interesting or challenging? Our readings this week provide several examples, but feel free to contribute other ideas, post articles and add videos, etc.

• What are the main ethical questions the issue raises?
• Which moral theories, ethical principles, or both are most relevant to understanding and perhaps answering these questions?

2.Discussion- Ethics of End-of-Life Care – Read chapter 7 “Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide,” on pages 324-331 of your Intervention and Reflection text to understand important debates in the ethics of end-of-life care. Then watch the following video: PBS (Producer). (2012). The suicide plan [Video]. Films Media Group.

Write your discussion post that expresses your thoughts about how you felt about what you watched. Incorporate ideas and concepts from your textbook reading. In your post, respond to the following questions:

• What are your thoughts about those individuals who were arrested for helping a parent or friend die? Though they broke the law, do you believe they did anything morally wrong?
• Did the film change your mind, in either direction, about laws that forbid physician-assisted suicide?
• What do you think of Dr. Timothy Quill’s claim in the video that there is no moral difference between a doctor removing life-sustaining treatment upon a patient’s request (which is legal) and a doctor hastening the death of a terminally ill patient who asks for such help (which is illegal in most U.S. states)? Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
• Should those who have a treatable illness but do not choose to go through treatment and linger be permitted to receive assistance to kill themselves? Explain.