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.
How Worldview of Human Value Affects Beliefs About Bioethical Issues
A worldview rooted in human value significantly influences beliefs about bioethical issues like abortion, designer babies, and stem cell research. At the core of this perspective is the belief in the inherent dignity of human life, which shapes moral and ethical stances on these complex topics.
From a pro-life viewpoint, the belief that human life begins at conception establishes that the fetus has intrinsic value and rights. This worldview leads to opposition to abortion, emphasizing the protection of vulnerable lives over individual autonomy. Alternatively, a worldview emphasizing autonomy and personal choice might prioritize the rights of the pregnant individual, supporting abortion access as a means of upholding bodily autonomy.
The concept of designer babies, involving genetic manipulation for preferred traits, raises ethical concerns about equity, natural diversity, and the potential commodification of human life. A worldview valuing equality and humility may reject genetic enhancement, viewing it as contrary to the natural order and human dignity. On the other hand, a perspective prioritizing innovation and human progress may see this technology as a means to alleviate genetic diseases and improve quality of life.
Stem cell research involves ethical dilemmas, particularly regarding the use of embryonic stem cells. A worldview prioritizing the sanctity of all human life may oppose such research, perceiving the destruction of embryos as unethical. However, a utilitarian perspective might support it, focusing on the potential to cure debilitating diseases and alleviate suffering.
Ultimately, one’s beliefs about these bioethical issues hinge on the underlying worldview regarding human value. Whether guided by religious principles, secular humanism, or utilitarianism, these beliefs reflect core values about life, autonomy, and the balance between progress and ethical responsibility.
References
- Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- National Institutes of Health. (2021). Stem cell basics. Retrieved from https://stemcells.nih.gov