Bioethics Questions - Reproductive Technology

[teacher1]

I am teaching a high school course on Bioethics to seniors. When we discuss the principle that ends cannot justify means, meaning that something like IVF cannot be condoned because “Children have a right to be conceived by the act that expresses and embodies their parents’ self-giving love; morally responsible medicine can assist this act but
should never substitute for it.” (USCCB) My students want to know how we can give rights to the pre-conceived. Thoughts?? They make a good point.

 

[Mtatum1958]

Did you review this document. It explains multiple reasons why IVF is illicit.
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-act...-catholic-view-of-reproductive-technology.cfm

 

[1ke]

My students want to know how we can give rights to the pre-conceived. Thoughts?? They make a good point.

I don’t think it’s a good point at all.

It is not theoretical rights of the “preconceived”—whatever that actually means. It doesn’t even make any sense.

It is about the actual rights of the actual children.

 

[Shakuhachi]

And it is not so much about rights as it is about keeping the unitive and proctreative aspects together.

 

[HeDa]

Keep in mind that your students are likely to have friends or know someone who was conceived with the help of IVF. Or even one of the students themselves.