Beginning of life - KU Flashcards
(12 cards)
3 uses of embryos
- Reproductive
- Therapeutic
- Research
Definition of reproductive use of embryos
This when the use of embryo has the aim of having a child, which is commonly done via In-vitro fertilisation (IVF).
This is done by couples who struggle to conceive naturally due to infertility issues or because they are same sex couples.
Definition of therapeutic use of embryos
This is when embryos are used to treat diseases or disorders, by using embryonic stem cells, for example.
Definition of research use of embryos.
Research on embryos can be conducted when scientists have a clear aim in mind or when they are simply observing the way it develops, which may lead to unexpected breakthroughs in embryology.
The legality in the UK regarding embryonic research is that the embryo must either be destroyed or implanted into the woman at 14 days.
Embryonic research in the UK is monitored by the human fertilisation and embryology association.
What is important to consider when debating the morality of embryos and why?
Sanctity of life, which is the belief that human life is intrinsically sacred and holy, because it is God-given.
This leads to implications that human life, including the embryo, should be cherished and protected— they deserve human rights.
The development of an embryo from day 1 to 45
Day 1- fertilisation occurs, which creates a zygote, but in UK law is known as an embryo.
Day 6- embryo has implanted into the uterus
Day 15- primitive streak develops, which will later become the brain and spinal cord
Day 21 - heart starts to beat
4 weeks - body parts start forming, like legs, arms, ears
Day 45 - electrical Brian wave patterns can be recorded
Description of IVF
IVF takes place in a lab for the first part, where the sperm and egg is infused artificially and grown in an incubator for 2-5 days, before being placed into a catheter to transfer it to the womb through the cervix.
If the the embryo implants into the uterus, it will progress as a normal pregnancy.
What does the beginning of life section of the unit spec consist of? (AH)
- sanctity of life
- treatment and uses of embryos
- abortion
- Religious/non-religious responses
Descriptions of some therapeutic uses of embryos?
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD):
- may be used in couples who are more likely to have offspring that develop genetic disorders in order to screen and select the healthiest embryos
Saviour sibling:
- a child is conceived, most commonly, in order to use the blood of its umbilical cord, as it is rich in embryonic stem cells that can be used in therapy
what allows embryos to be used in research and therapy
Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, which gives them the ability to specialise into any type of cell
Why is the beginning of life a controversial topic?
There are many different views about when it begins, not everyone agrees. People have different views on when this happens:
- implantation
- ensoulment
- formation of ‘primitive streak’
- ‘quickening’
- fertilisation
- brain wave patterns
What is an abortion?
According to the NHS, this is a procedure to terminate pregnancy, which can be done by taking medicine or undergoing surgery.
In the UK, it’s done before 24 weeks of pregnancy. After this date, only certain cases would allow an abortion. For example: if the mother’s life was in danger.
