Ethics:Medical Ethics

Question 1

Definition of sanctity of life?

Answer 1

Life is sacred and belongs to God. Should be respected because God made all human life unique and special. Implies that life is God given + only god can take it away

Question 2

Definition of pro-life

Answer 2

Against abortions (foetus has a right to life)

Question 3

Definition of pro-choice?

Answer 3

In support of abortion(mother has a choice), it’s her body so she can decide

Question 4

Definition of euthanasia?

Answer 4

Easy death

Question 5

Definition of easy death?

Answer 5

Euthanasia

Question 6

Definition of IVF?

Answer 6

In virto fertilisation. Conception of a human embryo outside the womb. Used when a couple are unable to conceive naturally

Question 7

Definition of DNA cloning?

Answer 7

Identical copies of a life made from DNA

Question 8

Definition of voluntary euthanasia?

Answer 8

Asking someone to help you die

Question 9

Definition of involuntary euthanasia?

Answer 9

When doctors and/or relatives decide to end your life eg life support machine, coma, the person is not able to make the decision.

Question 10

Definition of AIH?

Answer 10

Artificial insemination by husband. Used when a woman is unable to conceive naturally eg blocked fallopian tubes.

Question 11

Definition of quality of life?

Answer 11

A life free from pain and suffering. Some Christians have this view bcos they think were allowed to use our judgement to make decisions about ending life bcos a benevolent god wouldn’t want us to suffer. Think it’s more humane and loving to end their life. (Love thy neighbour)

Question 12

Definition of NAVS?

Answer 12

National Anti-vivisection Society

Question 13

Definition of playing God?

Answer 13

Demeaning or undermining God

Question 14

Views on abortion?

Answer 14

Some believe foetus is a human life from conception+should be treated with respect. Others believe that foetus is not human until it can survive outside the womb and can be ended with no problems

Question 15

Fact on abortion?

Answer 15

In the UK abortion is allowed until 24 weeks of development under the Abortion Act 1967

Question 16

Catholic views on abortion?

Answer 16

Against abortion bcos they believe God created life and it’s sacred. Unborn baby should have same rights as others. They believe it’s better to go through pregnancy then give it up for adoption to help a childless couple.

Question 17

Facts on catholic views on abortion?

Answer 17

Sixth commandment “do not kill”. Quote from Jeremiah “Before I formed you I knew you, before you were born I set you apart” implying god has a plan for everyone and interfering would disrupts Gods plans

Question 18

Protestants views on abortion?

Answer 18

Believe life is sacred but there are times when abortions necessary. “Love thy neighbour”-> woman is your neighbour and should think of her needs

Question 19

When do Protestants think abolition is acceptable?

Answer 19

Acceptable if:
Baby was a result of rape
Baby was handicapped
Mothers life was in danger

Question 20

Other views on abortion?

Answer 20

Others may agree with Protestant view and argue that ultimately if the mother is the carrier and life-support of the child it’s her choice.

Question 21

Definition of abortion?

Answer 21

The termination of a foetus before it can survive outside the womb

Question 22

Catholic Church and Church of England view on euthanasia?

Answer 22

Think it’s morally wrong bcos:
Body is seen as a temple
“You shall not murder”
Only God owns life so only he can take it away(sanctity of life)
Suffering is seen as having a purpose in life

Question 23

Catholic Church and Church of England view on life-preserving medical treatment?

Answer 23

It’s acceptable to refuse it to let nature take it’s course. Catholic Church accepts death as part of a ‘double effect’ which is idea that medicine can be used to relieve pain but side effect is to speed up death.

Question 24

Christian view on hospice movement?

Answer 24

Supports the hospice movement which helps people die with dignity, a place where the terminally ill are cared for in comfortable surroundings

Question 25

What do most churches believe about suicide?

Answer 25

They believe that people who feel suicidal should receive support and guidance. In the past, people who committed suicide were not buried in holy ground bcos it was believe the person had no faith in God to care for and help them

Question 26

Christian views on euthanasia and suicide?

Answer 26

Some like the Quakers believe if suffering greatly should be allowed to die. In the past Quakers buried suicide victims. They believe in 'quality of life' whereas some believe love+support should be given.

Question 27

Example of euthanasia and suicide?

Answer 27

If someone has motor neurone disease it could be viewed as the person has suffered enough+the loving thing to do would be to honour their wishes. Jesus taught 'love your neighbour as yourself'

Question 28

Other views on euthanasia and suicide?

Answer 28

Many of the religious commands don't apply to atheists so they may view it as putting an animal out of its misery, loving thing to do. Could argue that God had given human knowledge to reduce suffering then you could argue that we could use techniques to help ppl die as part of our medical processes.

Question 29

Definition of AID?

Answer 29

Artificial insemination by donor. Used when one person in couple is infertile.

Question 30

Biblical views against IVF?

Answer 30

Some Christians would say IVF is 'playing God' and going against nature intended. Bible quote 'Hannah had no children because The Lord had closed her womb'. Some Christians say this shows God has plans for some to remain childless.

Question 31

Biblical views for IVF?

Answer 31

Other Christians would argue that a loving God would want people to use technology to have children. They would emphasise how in Bible Jesus healed those who needed therefore God would support 'healing' using modern technology techniques.

Question 32

Controversies of IVF?

Answer 32

Alike abortion, human embryos are destroyed one mother has no use for them, could be potential lives, destroying them seen as murder. Process of AID seen as adultery bcos involves a 3rd party. Breaks 7th comm.. 'Do not commit adultery'.

Question 33

An alternate to IVF?

Answer 33

An alternative is adoption, seen as more loving as involves looking after unwanted child.

Question 34

Definition of reproductive cloning?

Answer 34

Used to produce animal that has same DNA as other animal. Animal is cloned from cell of another+transferred to female animal so that it can develop until birth

Question 35

Definition of therapeutic cloning?

Answer 35

Embryo cloning. Production of human embryos in order to gather stem cells for use in research. Destroys embryo but stem cells used to study human development and disease.

Question 36

Response to cloning?

Answer 36

Destruction of embryos seen as murder. Only God is giver of life(sanctity of life+playing God). Gods given us intelligence to use science to develop cloning, cure diseases. Seen as loving act as purpose is to save lives. Some have no problem with therapeutic cloning as Thomas Aquinas views was forties received soul after 40 days, embryos only used for first 14 days of development then disposed

Question 37

Example of animal used in medical research?

Answer 37

Using the armadillo, scientists been able to develop vaccine against leprosy. Pigs led to insights on stroke research.

Question 38

Christian teachings/views in animals in medical research?

Answer 38

Humans are most important part of God creation. We given responsibility over them and authority to control them.We have soul+potential to go to heaven, animals don't. Adam named animals according to book of Genesis in bible showing authority of them. In gospel of Mark, jesus healed a man possessed by demons by sending them to heard of pigs. We also have responsibility to ensure animals are cared for and not abused.

Question 39

Other views on animals in medical research?

Answer 39

The NAVS says that thru studying human disease and physiology it's possible to see even members of same species react differently to same drug+medicine

Question 40

Evidence of NAVS view?

Answer 40

The National Cancer Institute tested 12 anti-cancer drugs currents being used successfully used in humans on laboratory mice. 63% of the drugs were ineffective. NAVS used these results to shows how there's no guarantee medical research in animal will necessary benefit humans.