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The ethics of genetic control: Ending reproductive roulette
The patriarch of medical ethics explains why some accepted ethical values need to catch up with the science of human reproduction and why newer reproductive methods can be more "natural" and humane than those they replace."Fletcher will rightly be seen as the father of modern medical ethics ... this is required reading for anyone serious about reflecting on the ethical issues raised by new reproductive technologies." Journal of the American Medical Association
218 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1974
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April 27, 2020
Although this book was written in the 1970s I did learn about the history of what has happening since the genetic code was broken. I would have expected this book to discuss the pros and cons of each of the various methods - ex artificial insemination, cloning, egg transfer, artificial gestation of a fetus etc, the author was definitely bias toward utilitarianism. Even in the chapter "Some Doubts" he would list the doubts and then immediately criticize them. Religious beliefs and morals were discredited.
Here are some quotes
"More than 1500 genetic aberrations have been identified."
"We all carry from 3 to 8 lethal genes recessively"
"If we adopt the sensible view that a fetus is not a person there is only one reasonable policy and that is to put an end to compulsory pregnancy. The ethical principle is that pregnancy when wanted is a healthy process, pregnancy when not wanted is a disease- in fact a venereal disease".
"There are no 'act of God' any more. ..It is not a world run from outside by God's will..we don't pray for cures, we rely on medicine and the scientists who keep looking for cures until they find them. The Bible's view of the world as a shuttlecock between good and evil powers is meaningless."
What's wrong with both?
His answer for those genetic aberrations that cannot be fixed in the womb is to abort. Only perfect humans should be given birth to.
A more objective view of both sides would have been better. Present both sides objectively and let readers decide. You can even make suggestions but don't put down the other side.
Here are some quotes
"More than 1500 genetic aberrations have been identified."
"We all carry from 3 to 8 lethal genes recessively"
"If we adopt the sensible view that a fetus is not a person there is only one reasonable policy and that is to put an end to compulsory pregnancy. The ethical principle is that pregnancy when wanted is a healthy process, pregnancy when not wanted is a disease- in fact a venereal disease".
"There are no 'act of God' any more. ..It is not a world run from outside by God's will..we don't pray for cures, we rely on medicine and the scientists who keep looking for cures until they find them. The Bible's view of the world as a shuttlecock between good and evil powers is meaningless."
What's wrong with both?
His answer for those genetic aberrations that cannot be fixed in the womb is to abort. Only perfect humans should be given birth to.
A more objective view of both sides would have been better. Present both sides objectively and let readers decide. You can even make suggestions but don't put down the other side.
Displaying 1 of 1 review