Topic 1C Childlessness and Celibacy
Celibacy
Definition
Remaining unmarried and having no sexual relationships
Reasons for
focus on other aspects of life
Charity
religion
nuns, priests etc
not found the right person
no sex before marriage
Reasons against Celibacy
not pro-creation
doesn't fulfil god's will
go forth and multiply- Genesis 9:7
Contraception
Definition
A means of preventing a woman from becoming pregnant
Arguments for
responsible way of planning a family
helps prevent the transmission of STD's
helps prevent unwanted children
Arguments against
The Roman Catholic Church says that the use of contraception is against natural law (which means it is not in keeping with human nature).
Catholic
The only form of contraception permitted is the ‘rhythm method’ where intercourse takes place at a time when the woman is least fertile.
doesn't fulfil God's will
Genesis 9:7
Genetic Engineering
Definition
Changing the basic structure of human life by medical means
Arguments for
may help save lives, remove genetic diseases
Arguments against
Risk of technologies to mother and future child
UK law
They must only be carried out for medical reasons.
Germ line therapy
n the UK, it is illegal to perform this therapy on humans.
Human embryos produced for research purposes cannot be implanted into any woman's womb and must be discarded after 14 days.
It is the loving thing to do for the sick sibling.
The new child has no choice in this process and they cannot give their agreement.
Somatic cell therapy can also help people with cancer.
Prevent late abortions of foetuses due to diseases or conditions.
Some of the conditions that are tested for cause tremendous suffering and loss of dignity, eg Huntington's disease.
Designer babies
Some say that parents have the right to choose.
Humans improve themselves through education and training. Why not contribute to potential before birth?
We already improve crops and animals. Why not humans?
Evolution is a change in the inherited characteristics of a population of organisms from one generation to the next. This happens anyway and genetic enhancement is just speeding up this natural process.
Embryology .
Research will lead to cures for more diseases and conditions.
Embryos are currently the best source of stem cells. Stem cells could be used to grow replacement organs or cure spinal injuries and other diseases and conditions.
Some people suggest that it goes against nature, and that scientists are 'playing God'.
Unlike other medicines, the negative effects cannot be understood because they rest with future generations.
Those living with conditions or diseases could feel inferior. It might create a society where the disabled, or those suffering from diseases, are seen as less than fully human.
Designer babies
Some suggest it is for the parents' convenience. It is not because of the child's wellbeing.
t could lead to gender imbalance in society, ie too many boys or girls.
Selecting for one gender might suggest that one gender is more important, which could lead to sexism in society.
Altering genes to improve strength, beauty or intelligence undermines the moral and legal idea that all humans are equal.
he technology could be misused. In the future, 'superhuman' soldiers with certain physical and intellectual characteristics could be created. These individuals would have no say in this.
inequality in society – those who are genetically engineered and those who are not.
embryology
The embryos that are destroyed after the research are human individuals. This is murder.
Research on embryos treats them as an object. It removes their value