This essay will evaluate the moral principles which are engaged in the creation of compatible sibling donors specifically for providing treatment to existing children. I will explain why using reproductive technology as a means to this end has no ethical standing. In order to achieve this, I will use deontological moral theories to defend the medico-legal principle of personal autonomy, and to rebut that of procreative autonomy. Compatible sibling donors, hereafter noted as ‘saviour siblings’, not only lack legal definition, but also cause a deep divide between members of Parliament and the Courts.
This is because the concept of them causes a struggle between two substantial principles: procreative autonomy and personal autonomy. I will argue throughout this essay that while there is no doubt that the creation of saviour siblings can bring about a positive end result by helping existing sick children, this utilitarian argument cannot trump the serious ethical issues which simultaneously arise.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Procreative Autonomy vs Personal Autonomy
- The Principle of Beneficence: A Utilitarian Argument
- The Principle of Autonomy: A Deontological Approach
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to provide an ethico-legal evaluation of the moral principles involved in creating savior siblings using reproductive technologies. It argues against the ethical permissibility of this practice.
- The conflict between procreative autonomy and personal autonomy in the context of savior siblings.
- The application of deontological moral theories, particularly Kant's categorical imperative, to the issue.
- A utilitarian analysis of the potential benefits and harms of creating savior siblings.
- The importance of the principle of beneficence and its limitations in this context.
- The ethical implications of using a child's body as a source of medical treatment for a sibling.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This essay introduces the central question of the ethical permissibility of creating savior siblings—children conceived using reproductive technologies to provide medical treatment to existing siblings. The author outlines their argument against this practice, which will be supported by deontological moral theories emphasizing personal autonomy and challenging the concept of procreative autonomy as an absolute right in this context. The conflict between these two principles and the lack of legal definition surrounding savior siblings are highlighted as key issues.
Procreative Autonomy vs Personal Autonomy: This chapter explores the tension between procreative autonomy (the right to control one's reproduction) and personal autonomy (the right to control one's own body and make decisions about one's life). While the creation of a savior sibling might seem to maximize good consequences (utilitarian argument), the author argues this neglects the crucial issue of the child's personal autonomy. The chapter emphasizes that procreation is not an absolute right and that the welfare and autonomy of the child to be born must be prioritized, highlighting the inherent moral obligation parents have towards their future children as well as their existing ones. The creation of a savior sibling infringes upon the child's personal autonomy, as it predetermines their role as a donor before they are even born.
The Principle of Beneficence: A Utilitarian Argument: This section examines the principle of beneficence—acting to benefit others—within a utilitarian framework. The author acknowledges that creating savior siblings may produce positive outcomes, such as saving the life of an existing sick child and bringing a new healthy child into the world. The use of PGD and HLA tissue typing allows for a healthy child to be born and potentially provides treatment for the ill sibling. However, the author cautions against relying solely on a consequentialist view, citing the potential negative impacts on the younger child. The chapter discusses Parfit's non-identity problem, highlighting the issue of preventing the existence of a potentially healthy child, but stresses that personal autonomy should not be sacrificed for the greater good, even when facing significant compassion for the needs of a sick child.
The Principle of Autonomy: A Deontological Approach: This chapter focuses on the deontological principle of autonomy and informed consent. The author argues that creating savior siblings violates the younger child's autonomy by predetermining their role as a donor, infringing on their bodily integrity and right to self-determination before birth. The essay draws on Kant's categorical imperative to establish the absolute principle against manipulation or exploitation for the benefit of others. It emphasizes the ethical importance of respecting the younger child's right to bodily integrity and the right to make decisions regarding their own body. The author concludes that the positive consequences of creating a savior sibling are ethically insufficient to outweigh the significant violation of the younger child's autonomy.
Keywords
Savior siblings, reproductive technologies, procreative autonomy, personal autonomy, deontological ethics, utilitarianism, beneficence, informed consent, bodily integrity, medical ethics, HLA tissue typing, PGD.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ethico-Legal Evaluation of Savior Siblings
What is the main topic of this essay?
This essay provides an ethico-legal evaluation of the moral principles involved in creating savior siblings using reproductive technologies. The author argues against the ethical permissibility of this practice.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
The essay explores the conflict between procreative autonomy and personal autonomy, applying both deontological (Kant's categorical imperative) and utilitarian ethical frameworks. It examines the principle of beneficence, the ethical implications of using a child's body for medical treatment, and the importance of informed consent and bodily integrity.
What is the author's position on creating savior siblings?
The author argues against the ethical permissibility of creating savior siblings. They believe that this practice violates the personal autonomy of the child conceived to be a donor, even if it might result in positive consequences for an existing sibling.
How does the essay address procreative autonomy versus personal autonomy?
The essay highlights the tension between the right to control one's reproduction (procreative autonomy) and the right to control one's own body and life (personal autonomy). The author argues that procreative autonomy is not absolute and should not override the personal autonomy of the child conceived as a savior sibling.
What is the utilitarian argument presented in the essay?
The utilitarian argument acknowledges potential benefits of creating savior siblings, such as saving a sick child's life and the birth of a healthy child. However, the essay cautions against relying solely on consequentialist views, highlighting the potential negative impacts on the younger child and the ethical issue of potentially preventing the existence of a healthy child.
How does the essay apply deontological ethics to the issue?
The essay uses a deontological approach, focusing on the principle of autonomy and informed consent. It argues that creating savior siblings violates the younger child's autonomy by predetermining their role as a donor, infringing upon their bodily integrity and right to self-determination. Kant's categorical imperative is invoked to support the argument against using one person for the benefit of another.
What are the key ethical principles discussed in the essay?
The essay discusses the principles of beneficence (acting to benefit others), autonomy (respecting individual self-determination), and informed consent. It explores how these principles conflict in the context of creating savior siblings.
What role does HLA tissue typing and PGD play in the context of savior siblings?
HLA tissue typing and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) are reproductive technologies used to select embryos that are genetically compatible with a sibling needing a transplant. The essay discusses the ethical implications of using these technologies to create savior siblings.
What are the key legal issues surrounding savior siblings?
The essay highlights the lack of clear legal definitions and regulations surrounding the creation of savior siblings, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations to guide legal frameworks.
What are some of the keywords associated with the essay?
Savior siblings, reproductive technologies, procreative autonomy, personal autonomy, deontological ethics, utilitarianism, beneficence, informed consent, bodily integrity, medical ethics, HLA tissue typing, PGD.
- Quote paper
- Sara Vincenzotti (Author), 2020, An Ethico-Legal Evaluation of the Moral Principles Involved in the use of Reproductive Technologies in the Creation of Saviour Siblings, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/903671
