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.
Bioethical issues, such as abortion, designer babies, and stem cell research, are complex topics that often involve diverse perspectives and ethical considerations. People’s views on these issues can be influenced by a variety of factors, including cultural, religious, philosophical, and personal beliefs. Abortion, for example, is a contentious issue with debates revolving around a woman’s right to choose, the rights of the fetus, and moral considerations (Kazcor, 2022). Designer babies, referring to the genetic modification of embryos to enhance traits, raises concerns about ethical boundaries, potential social implications, and the idea of “playing god” (Xu, 2020). Stem cell research involves ethical questions about the use of human embryos and the potential for medical advancements (Charitos et al., 2021).
My personal worldview from a religious standpoint on abortion is that terminating the life of a fetus is morally wrong, and thus I am personally against it; however, I very much understand that all humans do not practice the same religions and/ or beliefs and therefore I do not push for my standpoint on the matter onto anyone else. Furthermore, my viewpoint from a medically scientific angle as a nurse, I can understand circumstances in which a medical abortion could be considered in life-or-death situations and/or inevitable life-threatening complications.
My viewpoint on designer babies highly reflects my religious viewpoint in that altering the genetic makeup of a human being, that of which was created perfectly in the image of God, is highly unethical. While there have been instances in which this is done purely out of selfish reasons, there are instances in where this has been done to accomplish viability of fetuses which have been created in vitro. Nonetheless, I personally know children who would be considered “designer babies” as their mother specifically wanted a boy and a girl while utilizing in vitro fertilization (IVF) (to increases chances of at least one successful fertilization) and have been saddened to hear about the numerous health complications that the children have been diagnosed with over the years. While this is attributed to the alteration of the genetic makeup on the sexes, IVF complications, or simply maternal and/or paternal history, I firmly believe that playing God is unethical and should be avoided at all costs.
The use of stem cells allows for the substitution of impaired cells, the regeneration of organs, and contributes to a deeper comprehension of the development and progression of diseases (Charitos et al., 2021). In my perspective, each human, created in the image of God, is important and sacred. In terms of embryonic stem cell research, I believe it falls in line with my stance against abortion and thus, am opposed to it. I consider specific types of stem cell research, particularly those that entail the use or destruction of embryos, to be ethically challenging, especially in regard to medical advancements.
References
Charitos, I. A., Ballini, A., Cantore, S., Boccellino, M., Di Domenico, M., Borsani, E., Nocini, R., Di Cosola, M., Santacroce, L., & Bottalico, L. (2021). Stem cells: A historical review about biological, religious, and ethical issues. Stem Cells International, 2021, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9978837
Kaczor, C. (2022). The ethics of abortion: Women’s rights, human life, and the question of justice. Taylor & Francis.
Xu, M. (2020). CCR5-Δ32 biology, gene editing, and warnings for the future of CRISPR-Cas9 as a human and humane gene editing tool. Cell & bioscience, 10(1), 1-6.
My worldview is based on what is referred to as “traditional”. I have been taught the Creator has created everything in this universe. Everything that has been created is to be cared for and respected. I am finding that my worldview is similar in a lot of ways to the Christian worldview. It is my belief that when we attempt to change or manipulate what the Creator has made, we create a lot of issues that impact us in what might be considered a negative way. The Creator sends us what we interpret as reminders or messages that the way things were created was for a reason. We are only human and do not have the “authority” to change or manipulate the Creator’s creations.
By our culture we know the importance of our children. Our children are our future, and our children are the heart and soul of our families, clans, and tribes (Terrill, 2023). Life is precious and we are to safeguard our bodies and spirits. Bioethical issues may seem straight forward in our worldviews until we are personally impacted by these situations. My worldview does not condone abortion. No matter what the situation may be, life is a gift and children are precious gifts to be protected and nurtured. I have a very hard time with the idea of the Creator’s creation of life being manipulated by humankind. I feel we are greatly overstepping our boundaries because the Creator is the creator of life.
Infertility has always been a significant challenge for many wishing to produce their own child (White, 2022). It is my belief that some people are not able to have children for a reason that only the creator knows. A family member of mine has not had any biological children but him and his wife have been blessed with many children through our traditional ways. It is my belief that we are all given unique lives which come with many blessings and challenges. The creator has a plan for us, and we can only do the best we can while we are on this earth.
Stem cell research in my opinion can also be considered as attempting to change or manipulate what the Creator has created. It is my belief that when we overstep our boundaries we do pay in some way. For example, it is my belief that what are referred to as natural disasters can be interpreted as a form of punishment for interfering with the Creator’s creations. We as humans try to interpret and uncover the meaning of challenging times. We often ask, “why is this happening to me?” I believe everything happens for a reason according to the Creator’s plan.
References:
Terrill, E. (2020). Abortion is not a solution for native women. Navajo Times. https://navajotimes.com/opinion/essay/abortion-is-not-a-solution-for-native-women/
White, N. (2022). God, humanity, and human dignity. Practicing Dignity: An Introduction to Christian Values and Decision Making in Health Care (2nd ed., pp. 110). Grand Canyon University. https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/1000000000591/epub/Chapter2.html#page_110REPLY
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