Playing God? The Ethics of Genetic Manipulation

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Playing God? The Ethics of Genetic Manipulation"

Transcription

1 Playing God? The Ethics of Genetic Manipulation Lawrence M. Hinman, Ph.D. Co-Director Center for Ethics in Science & Technology Professor of Philosophy University of San Diego 4/7/2009 Lawrence M. Hinman 1

2 Overview The Ingredients of Change IVF Human Genome Project PGD Resulting Ethical Issues Individual liberty Safety Hubris Unnaturalness Case Studies 4/7/2009 Lawrence M. Hinman 2

3 in vitro Fertilization On July 25, 1978, Louise Joy Brown was born--a five-pound 12-ounce baby girl. The first test tube baby, conceived through in vitro fertilization. Conception was detached from sex for the first time. For the first time, we had embryos (fertilized eggs) existing outside the womb. What is there moral status? 4/7/2009 Lawrence M. Hinman 3

4 The Human Genome Project The completion of the Human Genome Project provides a scientific foundation for genetic screening and manipulation. For the first time, scientists had a map of (most of the) human genome. 4/7/2009 Lawrence M. Hinman 4

5 PGD: Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis The ability to test embryos for specific genetic emerged with the development of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology, which permitted sex screening to reduce x-chromosome-linked diseases. Now we can test embryos for diseases such as cystic fibrosis, cycle cell disease, and Huntington s. We can also test for a specific kind of dwarfism, even athletic ability. 4/7/2009 Lawrence M. Hinman 5

6 Resulting new possibilities Conception takes place outside the human body, with pregnancy becoming a planned medical process. Embryos can be screened to decide which to implant, raising issues about eugenics, gender imbalance, etc. Embryos can be left over after some are implanted, which leaves us with questions about their moral status and what should be done with them. Embryos can (and typically are) frozen, after which they can exist in a suspended state for years. Frozen embryos can be donated for adoption to other infertile couples. Frozen embryos can be objects of dispute in law suits when couples divorce. Frozen embryos can be donated for use in research, especially stem cell research. 4/7/2009 Lawrence M. Hinman 6

7 Arguments in support of genetic manipulation Utilitarian: produces overall a better group of people (eugenics). Libertarian: a matter of individual liberty to decide what genetic enhancements one wants. 4/7/2009 Lawrence M. Hinman 7

8 Arguments Against Genetic Manipulation Too risky at this time we simply don t know enough to do this safely Violates child s autonomy by choosing a future for him/her Leads to the commodification of human beings selling eggs and sperm. Hubris: Playing God takes on privileged more appropriate for God than human beings Unnatural The giftedness argument (Sandel) 4/7/2009 Lawrence M. Hinman 8

9 What Kind of Restrictions? What regulation, if any, should apply to genetic manipulation? Several models: The free market/individual liberty model. Individuals should be allowed to do whatever they want as long as they do not infringe on the liberty of others. The government regulation model. Genetic manipulation should not be permitted unless explicitly approved by the government. The Professional regulation model. The oversight of genetic manipulation should be done by professional organizations of physicians and other health care providers. 4/7/2009 Lawrence M. Hinman 9

10 Choosing Between Life Paths Genetic manipulation is very different from abortion: Abortion is a matter of life or death, of deciding whether a fetus lives or dies. Genetic manipulation is a matter of deciding which life an individual may have by altering the individual s genes; It is a matter of which future the fetus is going to have. 4/7/2009 Lawrence M. Hinman 10

11 Scenarios Here are some possible cases about issues that can arise through genetic manipulation. 4/7/2009 Lawrence M. Hinman 11

12 Scenario #1: Designer Babies Imagine that it is possible to decide height, skin color, hair color, eye color, sex and other physical characteristics of a newlyconceived child. Should parents be allowed to change these characteristics if they choose? Will this lead to designer babies? To uniformity? Will this deplete the gene pool? 4/7/2009 Lawrence M. Hinman 12

13 Scenario #2: Sexual Orientation, 1 Imagine that: - Scientists have isolated the genes that predispose sexual orientation; - You are going to have a child; - Tests have determined that your child will probably be gay. Your doctor asks you: would you like us to alter the genes that predispose toward sexual orientation so that the child will not be gay? Further assume that you have nothing against gays, but believe that overall a gay person will face more discrimination and suffering all other things being equal than someone who is heterosexual. What should you do? Who should be able to decide? 4/7/2009 Lawrence M. Hinman 13

14 Scenario #3: Sexual Orientation, 2 Imagine scenario #2 with the following changes: - Doctors have determined that your child will have a heterosexual orientation; - You are gay. If the doctor offered to alter the genes so that your child would be gay as well, what should you do? 4/7/2009 Lawrence M. Hinman 14

15 Scenario #4: Dwarfism, 1 You are pregnant, and a routine test reveals that your child has a particular gene that results in acondroplegia, a form of dwarfism. The doctor asks you whether you want to have the gene altered so that the child s height is normal. What should you do? 4/7/2009 Lawrence M. Hinman 15

16 Scenario #5: Dwarfism, 2 Imagine the scenario is similar to that given in #4, except that you and your spouse are both dwarfs and the doctor tells you, after a routine test, that your baby will be normal height. A friend, aware that it may be difficult if both parents are dwarfs and the child is not, suggests that you ask that the child s genes be altered so that the child too will be a dwarf. What should you do? 4/7/2009 Lawrence M. Hinman 16

17 Scenario #6: A Savior Baby A boy has been born to a British couple who want to use stem cells from his umbilical cord to treat an older brother with a life threatening blood disorder. Michelle and Jayson Whitaker's baby, Jamie, was genetically selected while he was still an embryo to be a near perfect match to four-year-old Charlie. The couple went to an American clinic for test tube baby treatment because the selection procedure is not allowed in the UK. Source: Also see Jodi Picoult, My Sister s Keeper Kazuo Ishiguro, Never Let Me Go 4/7/2009 Lawrence M. Hinman 17

Playing God? Part One: The Ethics of Genetic Manipulation

Playing God? Part One: The Ethics of Genetic Manipulation Playing God? Part One: The Ethics of Genetic Manipulation Phil. 321: Social Ethics Spring 2009 Lawrence M. Hinman Co-Director, Center for Ethics in Science & Technology Professor of Philosophy University

More information

Ethical issues in assisted reproductive technologies. Effy Vayena

Ethical issues in assisted reproductive technologies. Effy Vayena Ethical issues in assisted reproductive technologies Effy Vayena Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) All treatments or procedures that include the in vitro handling of human oocytes and human sperm

More information

Choosing the sex of babies: Ethical debate

Choosing the sex of babies: Ethical debate Choosing the sex of babies: Ethical debate This activity is designed to get students thinking about the moral and ethical implications of sex selection. The resources will encourage students to form their

More information

Frances Kamm, Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research: A Moral Defense

Frances Kamm, Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research: A Moral Defense Frances Kamm, Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research: A Moral Defense University of San Diego Lawrence M. Hinman, Ph.D. Director, The Values Institute 2/8/2006 Lawrence M. Hinman 1 Source Originally published

More information

Human genetic engineering: Saviour siblings

Human genetic engineering: Saviour siblings Human genetic engineering: Saviour siblings Lesson objectives To understand what a saviour sibling is. To consider whether saviour siblings should be created. What might Christians think about saviour

More information

b. What do you think a designer baby is? What sort of characteristics or traits might a designer baby have?

b. What do you think a designer baby is? What sort of characteristics or traits might a designer baby have? Name: TOC# In-Vitro Fertilization and Designer Babies Brainstorming: a. With your group, identify where you have heard the term In-virto fertilization (often abbreviated IVF). Create a list of terms and

More information

it right? activity (page 4) to highlight ethical issues associated with IVF

it right? activity (page 4) to highlight ethical issues associated with IVF IN VITRO FERTILIZATION I V F In some cases, a sperm is directly injected into an egg IVF: THE MEETING OF SPERM AND EGG IN GLASS Louise Brown, the first test tube baby was born in 1978. Since then, there

More information

Whitney Fasbender. The University Of Kansas School of Nursing

Whitney Fasbender. The University Of Kansas School of Nursing The Savior Child: Having a Child to Save a Sibling Is this Right? Whitney Fasbender The University Of Kansas School of Nursing About the author: A native of Cheney, Kansas, Whitney was inducted into Delta

More information

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Ethical Aspects. Sonya Al-Mohammed, MBBS, Arab Board, MSc*

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Ethical Aspects. Sonya Al-Mohammed, MBBS, Arab Board, MSc* Bahrain Medical Bulletin, Vol. 36, No. 4, December 2014 Education-Family Physician Corner Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Ethical Aspects Sonya Al-Mohammed, MBBS, Arab Board, MSc* In vitro fertilization

More information

A Kantian Ethical Analysis of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis by Emily Delk

A Kantian Ethical Analysis of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis by Emily Delk A Kantian Ethical Analysis of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis by Emily Delk Introduction In an era where new genetic and reproductive technologies are increasing, ethical concerns continue to grow as

More information

IVF Philosophy of Medical Ethics series

IVF Philosophy of Medical Ethics series Philosophy of Medical Ethics series Program Support Notes by: Laura Beilby Teacher of Philosophy and Religion Produced by: Classroom Video Ltd Commissioning Editor: Dee Powell Classroom Video Ltd 2011

More information

In vitro Fertilization: The status of the frozen embryo

In vitro Fertilization: The status of the frozen embryo In vitro Fertilization: The status of the frozen embryo Prof Anne Muigai Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja, Kenya The first Kenyan IVF babies were born on 8 th May 2006 The event

More information

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis. Evaluation for single gene disorders

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis. Evaluation for single gene disorders Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Evaluation for single gene disorders What is Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis? Preimplantation genetic diagnosis or PGD is a technology that allows genetic testing of

More information

My Sister s s Keeper. Science Background Talk

My Sister s s Keeper. Science Background Talk My Sister s s Keeper Science Background Talk Outline Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) APL Treatment Savior Siblings In vitro fertilization (IVF) Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) Risks of donating

More information

Introducing stem cells Stem cells in the news

Introducing stem cells Stem cells in the news Introducing stem cells Stem cells in the news Stem cells: Therapeutic Value 16+ year olds February 2010, updated 2012 Objective: Understand the therapeutic value of stem cells About tissue stem cells Stem

More information

YouGov / Daily Telegraph Survey Results

YouGov / Daily Telegraph Survey Results YouGov / Daily Telegraph Survey Results YouGov questioned 2432 adults aged 18+ throughout Britain online between 19th and 24nd August 2005 At the moment abortion is legal in Britain up to the 24th week

More information

Genetics, Ethics &Meaning. Module 4

Genetics, Ethics &Meaning. Module 4 Genetics, Ethics &Meaning INItiative (GEMINI) Life Sciences and Society @University of Michigan Module 4 Myths versus Facts The University of Michigan s Stem Cell Research Environment A Case Study MYTH:

More information

The advent of IVF (in vitro fertilization) changed the moral landscape of human reproduction in fundamental ways. Louise Joy Brown was born in in

The advent of IVF (in vitro fertilization) changed the moral landscape of human reproduction in fundamental ways. Louise Joy Brown was born in in 2 The advent of IVF (in vitro fertilization) changed the moral landscape of human reproduction in fundamental ways. Louise Joy Brown was born in in England on July 25, 1978 the first baby successfully

More information

Balanced. translocations. rarechromo.org. Support and Information

Balanced. translocations. rarechromo.org. Support and Information Support and Information Rare Chromosome Disorder Support Group, G1, The Stables, Station Rd West, Oxted, Surrey. RH8 9EE Tel: +44(0)1883 723356 info@rarechromo.org I www.rarechromo.org Balanced Unique

More information

1. Do Zombies have rights? 2. Do voodoo Zombies have different rights than virus Zombies? 5. Should Zombies be covered by universal health plans?

1. Do Zombies have rights? 2. Do voodoo Zombies have different rights than virus Zombies? 5. Should Zombies be covered by universal health plans? Exercise Nov. 22. Exam Nov. 29. Reproductive ethics No electronics PHIL 226 Biomedical Ethics Week 11 1 Zombie Ethics 1. Do Zombies have rights? 2. Do voodoo Zombies have different rights than virus Zombies?

More information

Reproductive Technology. Chapter 21

Reproductive Technology. Chapter 21 Reproductive Technology Chapter 21 Assisted Reproduction When a couple is sub-fertile or infertile they may need Assisted Reproduction to become pregnant: Replace source of gametes Sperm, oocyte or zygote

More information

Stem Cells. Part 1: What is a Stem Cell?

Stem Cells. Part 1: What is a Stem Cell? Stem Cells Part 1: What is a Stem Cell? Stem cells differ from other kinds of cells in the body. When a stem cell divides by mitosis, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become

More information

Fertility Facts and Figures 2008

Fertility Facts and Figures 2008 Fertility Facts and Figures 2008 Contents About these statistics... 2 Accessing our data... 2 The scale of fertility problems... 3 Treatment abroad... 3 Contacts regarding this publication... 3 Latest

More information

Act of 5 December 2003 No. 100 relating to the application of biotechnology in human medicine, etc

Act of 5 December 2003 No. 100 relating to the application of biotechnology in human medicine, etc Act of 5 December 2003 No. 100 relating to the application of biotechnology in human medicine, etc Cf. earlier Acts of 5 August 1994 No. 56 and 12 June 1987 No. 68 Chapter 1. Purpose and scope 1-1. Purpose

More information

Embryonic Choices. Scientist Toolkit for Public Engagement: Clinical Embryology, Genetics and Haematology

Embryonic Choices. Scientist Toolkit for Public Engagement: Clinical Embryology, Genetics and Haematology Embryonic Choices An A-level workshop on Assisted Conception and Saviour Siblings Scientist Toolkit for Public Engagement: Clinical Embryology, Genetics and Haematology Pathology: the science behind the

More information

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) in Western Australia

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) in Western Australia Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) in Western Australia Human somatic cells have 46 chromosomes each, made up of the 23 chromosomes provided by the egg and the sperm cell from each parent. Each chromosome

More information

Just Living. In Vitro Fertilization. The Truth about Freedom; engaging faith and reason

Just Living. In Vitro Fertilization. The Truth about Freedom; engaging faith and reason Just Living Striving for Truth and Justice in a Culture of Death Fall, 2014 In Vitro Fertilization The Truth about Freedom; engaging faith and reason In an age of moral relativism, when Absolute Truth

More information

Consent to Perform Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) using. Comparative Genomic Hybridization (acgh) or Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Consent to Perform Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) using. Comparative Genomic Hybridization (acgh) or Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Consent to Perform Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) using Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization (acgh ) or Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Purpose The purpose of Preimplantation Genetic Screening

More information

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT IVF

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT IVF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT IVF Is there something we can do to improve our chances of succes? Even though IVF treatment is a medical process on which you have no influence, there are a number of

More information

Carol Ludowese, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor HDSA Center of Excellence at Hennepin County Medical Center Minneapolis, Minnesota

Carol Ludowese, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor HDSA Center of Excellence at Hennepin County Medical Center Minneapolis, Minnesota Carol Ludowese, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor HDSA Center of Excellence at Hennepin County Medical Center Minneapolis, Minnesota The information provided by speakers in workshops, forums, sharing/networking

More information

Rationale: Revisions enhanced current content by shortening it through deletions of language

Rationale: Revisions enhanced current content by shortening it through deletions of language Total Number of Pages: 1 of 4 Rationale: Revisions enhanced current content by shortening it through deletions of language that occurs in other resolutions, such as 3182 Human Cloning. Amend Delete last

More information

Religious Attitudes to Matters of Life

Religious Attitudes to Matters of Life Religious Attitudes to Matters of Life Sanctity of Life Life is a sacred God-given gift. It is only for God to decide when it starts and ends. It is extremely precious and should be treated with the utmost

More information

ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY Adopted 2013

ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY Adopted 2013 ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY Adopted 2013 The Christian Medical & Dental Association is a public voice for Christian healthcare professionals and students. Founded in 1931, CMDA provides programs and

More information

in vitro Fertilization (IVF)

in vitro Fertilization (IVF) Should an age limit be imposed on in vitro fertilization? Amanda Caster, Rong Hu, John Brothers II, and Barry Sexton Bioengineering and Bioinformatics Summer Institute 2005 University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie

More information

Assignment Discovery Online Curriculum

Assignment Discovery Online Curriculum Assignment Discovery Online Curriculum Lesson title: In Vitro Fertilization Grade level: 9-12, with adaptation for younger students Subject area: Life Science Duration: Two class periods Objectives: Students

More information

DNA Fingerprinting. Unless they are identical twins, individuals have unique DNA

DNA Fingerprinting. Unless they are identical twins, individuals have unique DNA DNA Fingerprinting Unless they are identical twins, individuals have unique DNA DNA fingerprinting The name used for the unambiguous identifying technique that takes advantage of differences in DNA sequence

More information

Genetic Testing in Research & Healthcare

Genetic Testing in Research & Healthcare We Innovate Healthcare Genetic Testing in Research & Healthcare We Innovate Healthcare Genetic Testing in Research and Healthcare Human genetic testing is a growing science. It is used to study genes

More information

Marrying a relative. Is there an increased chance that a child will have genetic problems if its parents are related to each other?

Marrying a relative. Is there an increased chance that a child will have genetic problems if its parents are related to each other? Marrying a relative Is there an increased chance that a child will have genetic problems if its parents are related to each other? The simple answer to this question is Yes, there is an increased chance.

More information

Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) Saint Mary s Hospital Department of Genetic Medicine Saint Mary s Hospital Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) Information For Patients What is PGD? Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a specialised

More information

In this class we will move from discussing the ethics of abortion to discussing the ethics of selective reproduction.

In this class we will move from discussing the ethics of abortion to discussing the ethics of selective reproduction. UNIT 3: ABORTION, SELECTIVE REPRODUCTION, AND BIOMEDICAL ENHANCEMENT HANDOUT 4: SELECTIVE ABORTION 1: SELECTIVE REPRODUCTION In this class we will move from discussing the ethics of abortion to discussing

More information

PROFESSOR ROBERT EDWARDS AWARDED NOBEL PRIZE Cofounder of Bourn Hall, world s first IVF clinic, recognised by award

PROFESSOR ROBERT EDWARDS AWARDED NOBEL PRIZE Cofounder of Bourn Hall, world s first IVF clinic, recognised by award PROFESSOR ROBERT EDWARDS AWARDED NOBEL PRIZE Cofounder of Bourn Hall, world s first IVF clinic, recognised by award Professor Robert Edwards known affectionately as the father of IVF - has been awarded

More information

Global Gametes: Reproductive Tourism and Islamic Bioethics in the High-tech Middle East

Global Gametes: Reproductive Tourism and Islamic Bioethics in the High-tech Middle East Global Gametes: Reproductive Tourism and Islamic Bioethics in the High-tech Middle East Marcia C. Inhorn William K. Lanman, Jr. Professor Anthropology and International Affairs Council on Middle East Studies

More information

Minimum standards for ICSI use, screening, patient information and follow-up in WA fertility clinics. January 2006

Minimum standards for ICSI use, screening, patient information and follow-up in WA fertility clinics. January 2006 Minimum standards for ICSI use, screening, patient information and follow-up in WA fertility clinics January 2006 1. BACKGROUND ICSI has been shown to be effective for male factor infertility and it also

More information

The Ethics of Stem Cell Research and Prenatal Genetic Alteration

The Ethics of Stem Cell Research and Prenatal Genetic Alteration The Ethics of Stem Cell Research and Prenatal Genetic Alteration Blake Rodgers, Brandon Peterson Introduction Technological advancements associated with the medical industry create opportunities to conduct

More information

SOYO. North American Council Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. January 2008

SOYO. North American Council Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. January 2008 SOYO North American Council Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America January 2008 I read section one of the book, God with Us, critical issues in Christian life and faith by Fr. John

More information

The Legacy of Roe v. Wade for Bioethics Scott B. Rae

The Legacy of Roe v. Wade for Bioethics Scott B. Rae The Legacy of Roe v. Wade for Bioethics Scott B. Rae Scott B. Rae is Professor of Christian Ethics at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University in La Mirada, California where he has taught since 1989.

More information

Biology and Society Unit Five: Human Reproduction Topic Four: Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

Biology and Society Unit Five: Human Reproduction Topic Four: Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) Biology and Society Unit Five: Human Reproduction Topic Four: Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) Carl Djerassi (1923 - ) Excerpt from Sex in an Age of Mechanical Reproduction by Carl Djerassi With

More information

Watermark Community Church In Vitro Fertilization FAQ

Watermark Community Church In Vitro Fertilization FAQ Watermark Community Church In Vitro Fertilization FAQ Infertility is a difficult and sensitive issue that many couples must face in their marriage. For many of these couples, questions about the complicated

More information

Practice Overview. New England Fertility

Practice Overview. New England Fertility Practice Overview New England Fertility About New England Fertility New England Fertility offers a wide variety of infertility treatments to individuals and couples struggling to conceive, including in

More information

Assisted Reproductive Technologies at IGO

Assisted Reproductive Technologies at IGO 9339 Genesee Avenue, Suite 220 San Diego, CA 92121 858 455 7520 Assisted Reproductive Technologies at IGO Although IGO no longer operates an IVF laboratory or program as such, we work closely with area

More information

The ethical Dilemma About Abortion

The ethical Dilemma About Abortion Bioethics Glossary in vitro fertilisation A method of assisted reproduction that involves collection of ova (female eggs) and sperm, which are then fertilised in the lab, before implantation in the mother

More information

The Ethics of Gender Selection

The Ethics of Gender Selection The Ethics of Gender Selection Whitney Akchurin, Ryan Kartzke Introduction Over the course of human history, the gender of a newborn child has mostly been a surprise and an uncontrollable aspect of the

More information

JAMS specialty societies, Ethics committee, ELSI, Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive medicine

JAMS specialty societies, Ethics committee, ELSI, Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive medicine Medical News from Japan Medical Ethics Efforts of JAMS Specialty Societies in Japan JMAJ 48(4): 209 213, 2005 Yasuhiko Morioka,* 1 Takeshi Motegi* 2 Abstract The principal purpose of medical specialty

More information

In - Vitro Fertilization Handbook

In - Vitro Fertilization Handbook In - Vitro Fertilization Handbook William F. Ziegler, D.O. Medical Director Scott Kratka, ELD, TS Embryology Laboratory Director Lauren F. Lucas, P.A.-C, M.S. Physician Assistant Frances Cerniak, R.N.

More information

Grappling With the Ethics of Non-Disease Genetic Selection

Grappling With the Ethics of Non-Disease Genetic Selection Alice Phillips BioChem 158 Spring 2015 Grappling With the Ethics of Non-Disease Genetic Selection The growth of biotechnology, and specifically reproductive biotechnology, has been closely followed by

More information

Stem Cell Quick Guide: Stem Cell Basics

Stem Cell Quick Guide: Stem Cell Basics Stem Cell Quick Guide: Stem Cell Basics What is a Stem Cell? Stem cells are the starting point from which the rest of the body grows. The adult human body is made up of hundreds of millions of different

More information

IVF OVERVIEW. Tracy Telles, M.D.

IVF OVERVIEW. Tracy Telles, M.D. IVF OVERVIEW By Tracy Telles, M.D. Dr. Hendler: Hello and welcome to KP Healthcast. I m your host Dr. Peter Hendler and today our guest is Dr. Tracy Telles. Dr. Telles is an IVF physician in Kaiser Walnut

More information

Europe, protection of life and respect for human dignity

Europe, protection of life and respect for human dignity ONE OF US, questionnaire on bioethics f o r candidates for European elections 2014 Europe, protection of life and respect for human dignity Last year, almost 2,000,000 EU citizens all over the 28 Member

More information

Research: Stem Cells. What are Stem Cells?

Research: Stem Cells. What are Stem Cells? What are Stem Cells? Have you ever thought about where you come from? How you were made? How did you grow from two tiny cells from your mother and father into a human mass of cells all performing independent

More information

FINAL REPORT OF THE SENATE RIGHTS RELATING TO REPRODUCTIVE AND GENETIC TECHNOLOGY STUDY COMMITTEE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

FINAL REPORT OF THE SENATE RIGHTS RELATING TO REPRODUCTIVE AND GENETIC TECHNOLOGY STUDY COMMITTEE COMMITTEE MEMBERS The State Senate Senate Research Office Jill C. Fike 204 Paul D. Coverdell Legislative Office Building Telephone Director 18 Capitol Square 404-656-0015 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Brian Scott Johnson Fax Deputy

More information

Creating Lives. Creating Families. Creating Memories. Happiness is...

Creating Lives. Creating Families. Creating Memories. Happiness is... Creating Lives. Creating Families. Creating Memories. Happiness is... ...A Child. Your Child. Same Sex Parenthood: A Very Personal Choice At New York Fertility Services, we celebrate the fact that many

More information

The following chapter is called "Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)".

The following chapter is called Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). Slide 1 Welcome to chapter 9. The following chapter is called "Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)". The author is Dr. Maria Lalioti. Slide 2 The learning objectives of this chapter are: To learn the

More information

Contents. Juvenile Onset HD. Family Guide Series. Reviewed by: Disclaimer: How to Use This Guide 2. I. Huntington s Disease and the HD Gene 3-5

Contents. Juvenile Onset HD. Family Guide Series. Reviewed by: Disclaimer: How to Use This Guide 2. I. Huntington s Disease and the HD Gene 3-5 Juvenile Onset HD Family Guide Series Reviewed by: Randi Jones, Ph.D. HDSA Center of Excellence Emory University Atlanta, GA Ami Rosen, CGC HDSA Center of Excellence Emory University Atlanta, GA Contents

More information

European IVF Monitoring (EIM) Year: 2008

European IVF Monitoring (EIM) Year: 2008 European IVF Monitoring (EIM) Year: 2008 Name of country POLAND Name and full address of contact person. professor Rafal Kurzawa MD PhD Fertility and Sterility Special Interest Group Polish Gynaecological

More information

Stem Cells and Hope for Patients

Stem Cells and Hope for Patients Stem Cells and Hope for Patients by Maureen Condic, Ph.D. Most Americans know someone afflicted with an incurable medical condition. The possibility of stem cell cures has given hope to many who face such

More information

The Infertility Problem

The Infertility Problem The Infertility Problem Fr. Jarosław Szymczak, PhD It is no accident that the issue of nfertility appears in the session devoted to the culture of life as opposed to the culture of death, between abortion

More information

tem ells /background /information Stem cell research Copyright 2007 MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research

tem ells /background /information Stem cell research Copyright 2007 MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research tem ells /background /information Stem cell research Copyright 2007 MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research /02 /information Table of contents Page 01. What are stem cells?

More information

Abortion and Stem Cell Debate Background Information

Abortion and Stem Cell Debate Background Information Abortion and Stem Cell Debate Background Information 1 Fetal Development 2 Terms Syngamy: fusion of two gametes in fertilization Zygote: name of the cell resulting from fertilization until it implants

More information

STEM CELL FACTS. The ISSCR is an independent, nonproft organization providing a global forum for stem cell research and regenerative medicine.

STEM CELL FACTS. The ISSCR is an independent, nonproft organization providing a global forum for stem cell research and regenerative medicine. STEM CELL FACTS The ISSCR is an independent, nonproft organization providing a global forum for stem cell research and regenerative medicine. WHAT ARE STEM CELLS? Stem cells are the foundation cells for

More information

Lesson. Case Study: One Family s Dilemma

Lesson. Case Study: One Family s Dilemma Lesson 3 Case Study: One Family s Dilemma Objectives Students will be able to: Describe major biomedical ethical principles. Analyze how a particular position relates to the principles. Class Time About

More information

Ethics Term Paper, Part III. Prepared by Alan Soskel. The ethics of Embryonic Stem Cell Research will be explored in this paper.

Ethics Term Paper, Part III. Prepared by Alan Soskel. The ethics of Embryonic Stem Cell Research will be explored in this paper. Ethics Term Paper, Part III Prepared by Alan Soskel The Ethics of Embryonic Stem Cell Research The ethics of Embryonic Stem Cell Research will be explored in this paper. I present a utilitarian argument

More information

Areas of Concern. Reproductive Ethics: Issues &

Areas of Concern. Reproductive Ethics: Issues & Reproductive Ethics: Issues & Areas of Concern Conception Control: under what conditions is conception control in harmony with a Christian ethic? Genetic Screening & Counseling: under what conditions should

More information

Patient Information. for Childhood

Patient Information. for Childhood Patient Information Genetic Testing for Childhood Hearing Loss Introduction This document describes the most common genetic cause of childhood hearing loss and explains the role of genetic testing. Childhood

More information

Each person normally has 23 pairs of chromosomes, or 46 in all. We inherit one chromosome per pair from our mother and one from our father.

Each person normally has 23 pairs of chromosomes, or 46 in all. We inherit one chromosome per pair from our mother and one from our father. AP Psychology 2.2 Behavioral Genetics Article Chromosomal Abnormalities About 1 in 150 babies is born with a chromosomal abnormality (1, 2). These are caused by errors in the number or structure of chromosomes.

More information

THE LAW - CONCEPTION USING DONOR EGGS OR SPERM

THE LAW - CONCEPTION USING DONOR EGGS OR SPERM Assisted Conception Unit 11 th Floor, Tower Wing Guy s Hospital, Great Maze Pond London SE1 9RT Tel:.020 7188 2300 Fax: 020 7188 0490 THE LAW - CONCEPTION USING DONOR EGGS OR SPERM Introduction If you

More information

SESSION 2. Unborn Life. What can. about the Seamless Garment of Life? CIRCLE OF LIFE JOURNEY let us next reflect on the mystery of...

SESSION 2. Unborn Life. What can. about the Seamless Garment of Life? CIRCLE OF LIFE JOURNEY let us next reflect on the mystery of... The CIRCLE of LIFE JOURNEY SESSION 2 Respect for Unborn Life As we continue our CIRCLE OF LIFE JOURNEY let us next reflect on the mystery of... Mary What can she teach us about the Seamless Garment of

More information

Much Has Changed in Surrogate Pregnancies

Much Has Changed in Surrogate Pregnancies Much Has Changed in Surrogate Pregnancies Robin Layton/Associated Press Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, with son, James, and daughters Marion, left, and Tabitha, born through surrogacy. By

More information

Differentiation = Making specialized cells

Differentiation = Making specialized cells Differentiation = Making specialized cells What is a stem cell? Screws: JM www.logodesignweb.com/stockphoto Differentiation = Making specialized cells What is a stem cell? What the photo shows A lump of

More information

Chapter 16 Reproductive Technology, Gene Therapy, and Stem Cells (modified)

Chapter 16 Reproductive Technology, Gene Therapy, and Stem Cells (modified) Chapter 16 Reproductive Technology, Gene Therapy, and Stem Cells (modified) Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) Artificial insemination (AI) In vitro fertilization (IVF) Gamete intrafallopian transfer

More information

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis new method of screening of 24 chromosomes with the Array CGH method...2

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis new method of screening of 24 chromosomes with the Array CGH method...2 August 2012 content 8 Preimplantation genetic diagnosis new method of screening of 24 chromosomes with the Array CGH method...2 Maintaining fertility new opportunities in GENNET...3 Hysteroscopy without

More information

Christian Bioethics. An introduction to reproductive technologies

Christian Bioethics. An introduction to reproductive technologies Christian Bioethics An introduction to reproductive technologies Key Facts The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (amended in 2001) permits scientists to conduct tests on and then destroy human

More information

Stem Cells. What Are Stem Cells? Sources for Stem Cells. Stem cells. Medical Ethics 1. Cells able to develop into nearly any other type of cell.

Stem Cells. What Are Stem Cells? Sources for Stem Cells. Stem cells. Medical Ethics 1. Cells able to develop into nearly any other type of cell. Stem Cells What Are Stem Cells? Cells able to develop into nearly any other type of cell. Adult stem cells found in skin, gut, blood Embryonic stem cells found in very early development of embryo (when

More information

Genes/Embryos/Stem Cells: Bioethics. READING: pp. 313-321 website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/bioethics

Genes/Embryos/Stem Cells: Bioethics. READING: pp. 313-321 website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/bioethics Genes/Embryos/Stem Cells: Bioethics READING: pp. 313-321 website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/bioethics Ethics - The study of right vs wrong, good vs bad, moral judgment, etc. Bioethics - Ethical questions

More information

Clinical Policy Committee

Clinical Policy Committee Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group South Devon and Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group Clinical Policy Committee Commissioning policy: Assisted Conception Fertility assessment

More information

How To Pass A Bill In Goshen

How To Pass A Bill In Goshen Senate Bill 169 By: Senators Hudgens of the 47th, Williams of the 19th, Rogers of the 21st, Thomas of the 54th, Shafer of the 48th and others A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT 1 To amend Chapter 7 of Title

More information

Information for Egg Donors for Research

Information for Egg Donors for Research Newcastle Fertility Centre at BioScience Centre, International Centre for Life Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4EP Telephone: 0191 2138213 Fax: 0191 2138124 www.nfc-life.org.uk Information for Egg

More information

Breast cancer and genetics

Breast cancer and genetics Breast cancer and genetics Cancer and genes Our bodies are made up of millions of cells. Each cell contains a complete set of genes. We have thousands of genes. We each inherit two copies of most genes,

More information

PROCREATIVE BENEFICENCE: WHY WE SHOULD SELECT THE BEST CHILDREN

PROCREATIVE BENEFICENCE: WHY WE SHOULD SELECT THE BEST CHILDREN Bioethics ISSN 0269-9702 Volume 15 Number 5/6 2001 PROCREATIVE BENEFICENCE: WHY WE SHOULD SELECT THE BEST CHILDREN JULIAN SAVULESCU ABSTRACT Eugenic selection of embryos is now possible by employing in

More information

-General Information -Why Save the Umbilical Cord? -Pros and Cons ((Arguments Against Saving the Umbilical Cord)) -Pros and Cons ((Arguments For

-General Information -Why Save the Umbilical Cord? -Pros and Cons ((Arguments Against Saving the Umbilical Cord)) -Pros and Cons ((Arguments For -General Information -Why Save the Umbilical Cord? -Pros and Cons ((Arguments Against Saving the Umbilical Cord)) -Pros and Cons ((Arguments For Saving the Umbilical Cord)) -Concerns -How to Collect Umbilical

More information

guides BIOLOGY OF AGING STEM CELLS An introduction to aging science brought to you by the American Federation for Aging Research

guides BIOLOGY OF AGING STEM CELLS An introduction to aging science brought to you by the American Federation for Aging Research infoaging guides BIOLOGY OF AGING STEM CELLS An introduction to aging science brought to you by the American Federation for Aging Research WHAT ARE STEM CELLS? Stem cells are cells that, in cell cultures

More information

New Issues in Stem cells and Regenerative Medicine

New Issues in Stem cells and Regenerative Medicine New Issues in Stem cells and Regenerative Medicine Bioethics and Biological Sciences Working Group Conference of European Churches Church and Society Commission 8, rue du Fossé des Treize, FR - 67000 Strasbourg,

More information

Genetics and Pregnancy Loss

Genetics and Pregnancy Loss Genetics and Pregnancy Loss Dorothy Warburton Genetics and Development (in Pediatrics) Columbia University, New York Estimates of Pregnancy Loss from Conception 1000 fertilized eggs (27% are lost) 728

More information

GCSE RE Revision & Homework Booklet:

GCSE RE Revision & Homework Booklet: GCSE RE Revision & Homework Booklet: Name:.. Topics of study: 1. Religious teaching on the Sanctity of Life 2. Whose choice is it anyway? 3. Is there anything medicine cannot do? 4. Medical Ethics Key

More information

CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE IN VITRO FERTILIZATION-EMBRYO TRANSFER PROGRAM

CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE IN VITRO FERTILIZATION-EMBRYO TRANSFER PROGRAM CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE IN VITRO FERTILIZATION-EMBRYO TRANSFER PROGRAM I, after consultation with my physician, request to participate in the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)-Embryo Transfer (ET) procedures

More information

Stem Cell Research. Debate motion

Stem Cell Research. Debate motion Stem Cell Research Debate motion This house proposes that the potential benefits of using embryonic stem cells to develop new medical treatments mean we have a moral obligation to support this type of

More information

MEDICAL ETHICS MEDICAL ETHICS STUDIES PRINCIPLES OF RIGHT AND WRONG FOUR PRINCIPLES OF MEDICAL ETHICS AUTONOMY JUSTICE BENEFICENCE NON-MALEFICENCE

MEDICAL ETHICS MEDICAL ETHICS STUDIES PRINCIPLES OF RIGHT AND WRONG FOUR PRINCIPLES OF MEDICAL ETHICS AUTONOMY JUSTICE BENEFICENCE NON-MALEFICENCE MEDICAL ETHICS MEDICAL ETHICS STUDIES PRINCIPLES OF RIGHT AND WRONG FOUR PRINCIPLES OF MEDICAL ETHICS AUTONOMY JUSTICE BENEFICENCE NON-MALEFICENCE AUTONOMY REQUIRES THAT THE PATIENT HAVE AUTONOMY OF THOUGHT,

More information

FERTILITY AND AGE. Introduction. Fertility in the later 30's and 40's. Am I fertile?

FERTILITY AND AGE. Introduction. Fertility in the later 30's and 40's. Am I fertile? FERTILITY AND AGE Introduction Delaying pregnancy is a common choice for women in today's society. The number of women in their late 30s and 40s attempting pregnancy and having babies has increased in

More information

Parentage, Adoption, and Child Custody

Parentage, Adoption, and Child Custody 14 Parentage, Adoption, and Child Custody Sheri E. Cohen Hon. Margaret S. Johnson Thomas M. Pinkerton, Jr. Excerpts of the Parentage section only. II. PARENTAGE A. Understanding Parentage Issues in Domestic

More information

Countries with laws or policies on sex selection

Countries with laws or policies on sex selection Countries with laws or policies on sex selection Marcy Darnovsky, Center for Genetics and Society, April 2009 This memo was prepared for the April 13 New York City sex selection meeting, and updated May

More information

First of all, you might wonder what is an umbilical cord blood stem cell bank?

First of all, you might wonder what is an umbilical cord blood stem cell bank? 9 Annexures ANNEXURE 1: Patient interview Good Morning Ladies, My name is Madelein, and this is my colleague, Isabella. We are from the University of Pretoria and we are working together with staff here

More information