Sample Answer for PHI 413 Topic 2 DQ 2 Included After Question
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.
A Sample Answer For the Assignment: PHI 413 Topic 2 DQ 2
Title: PHI 413 Topic 2 DQ 2
My worldview of human value does not significantly affect my beliefs about bioethical issues such as abortion, designer babies, and stem cell research.
I believe that every human being has the right to make the choices that they feel are the best for them and that it is not my right or responsibility to judge their decisions. Personally, I feel that abortion is something that should be carefully considered and should be an option for women who feel that it is the best decision for themselves. Adolescents and all people who are pregnant have the right to make autonomous decisions about whether to carry or terminate a pregnancy, and should receive safe, effective, appropriate medical care to support this decision (Kromenaker, 2023).
While many ethicists and scientists have condemned the idea of genetical modification for various reasons, I still hold the same view that it is merely the decision of the parent(s) and while I may not feel that is it appropriate for myself, that doesn’t mean it isn’t right for others. Some couples with health concerns may feel that a designer baby is their best shot at having a healthy baby. While I don’t feel that this is something that should be utilized for mere creation of a baby with handpicked features, I’m sure that if an individual had the means they would or have likely done so.
Regarding stem cell research, I initially felt like it was beneficial and presented very little ethic or moral issues. However, upon doing some research it appears that stem cell research can potentially provide new medical advancements to those in need, yet the risks associated outweigh the benefits. Adult stem cell research is a viable alternative with less risks and is more accepted by ethicists (Nwigwe, 2019). All things considered; I don’t believe that my personal worldview affects my beliefs regarding these topics.
References
Nwigwe, L. (2019). Embryonic stem cell research: An ethical dilemma. Voices in Bioethics, 5. https://doi.org/10.7916/vib.v5i.6135
T. Kromenaker. (2023). The importance of access to abortion. The American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/adolescent-sexual-health/equitable-access-to-sexual-and-reproductive-health-care-for-all-youth/the-importance-of-access-to-abortion/
A Sample Answer 2 For the Assignment: PHI 413 Topic 2 DQ 2
Title: PHI 413 Topic 2 DQ 2
My worldview of human value is based on my biblical beliefs. For example, abortion is murder. The sixth commandment is Exodus 20:13, “Thou shall not kill”. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thy came forth out of the womb I sanctified thee and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Holy Bible, 2011). This conveys that God knew us as a person and ordained us a person before we were formed in the belly.
Therefore, the argument of life beginning after the embryonic stage is void to me. Therefore, designer babies may be going against what God created. However, in regard to treating illness and diseases, genetic engineering can be used to eliminate diseases and improve overall health (Bogue et al., 2022). This is taking control out of the creator’s hands and doing your will.
Stem Cell Research has the potential for medical breakthroughs and cures for various diseases. However, the use of embryonic stem cells is similar to the abortion of a potential human life. It is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of perspectives and engage in thoughtful, informed discussions to navigate these complex and sensitive topics.
Bogue, D. W., Hogan, M., White, N. H., Hoehner, P. J., Self, C. W., & Evans, K. A. (2022). Practicing dignity: An introduction to Christian values and decision-making in health care (2nd ed). Grand Canyon University.
A Sample Answer 3 For the Assignment: PHI 413 Topic 2 DQ 2
Title: PHI 413 Topic 2 DQ 2
My person viewpoint on the bio-ethical issues of abortion, designer babies and stem cell research are why prevent a potential human being a chance in life. I believe that human persons have an innate value and worth. First of all, stem cell research offers many opportunities for understanding basic mechanisms of human development as well as the hope for new treatments for diseases such as diabetes, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, and myocardial infarction (Mohamed, 2018).
However, human stem cell research also raises sharp ethical issues because it involves the destruction of human embryos. Many argue that the question of when human life begins has been highly controversial and closely linked to debates over abortion. It is not disputed that embryos have the potential to become human beings; if implanted into a woman’s uterus and develop into a fetus, and become a live-born child (Steinbock, 2023).
However, I believe that an embryo is a person with the same moral status as an adult or a live-born child. As a matter of religious faith and human life begins at conception and that an embryo is therefore a person. Furthermore, an embryo has interests and rights that must be respected. From this perspective, taking a blastocyst and removing the inner cell mass to derive an embryonic stem cell line is murder.
Human life is a continuum from fertilization until natural death (Mohamed, 2018). Protection of human life is a recurring theme in the Bible from sixth commandment that “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13), meaning protect all innocent human life. These are examples of God’s care for those made in his image and wants none of us to come to harm. Destroying an embryo is killing a human being, one of us. which is breaking of God’s law.
At first, there is the origin of the gametes involved is genetically programmed to be nothing other than become a human. Second, it is undeniably alive cell division and differentiation are already occurring. The living embryo is already enjoying human life. Third, some will say that it does not look human, meaning, it does not look like a pre-born or newborn child but given the opportunity to develop, the embryo will become nothing other than what it essentially already is, namely, a human being. Finally, a human embryo is not a potential human being it is a human being with potential.
References
Exodus 20:13. The Bible: New International Version. Retrieved from https://www.biblestudytools.com/exodus/20-13.html#:~:text=Exodus%2020%3A13%20In%2DContext&text=Therefore%20the%20LORD%20blessed%20the,You%20shall%20not%20commit%20adultery.
Mohamed.(2018). Embryonic Politics. Retrieved from https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/politics-and-religion/article/embryonic-politics-attitudes-about-abortion-stem-cell-research-and-ivf/322230AAF7FFA309479E742892FA4EBA
Steinbock. (2023). Abortion. Retrieved from https://www.thehastingscenter.org/briefingbook/abortion