Medical Ethics Flashcards
(50 cards)
Definition of morality
A system of ethics about what is right and wrong
Definition of ethics
The theory relating to morality
Definition of absolute morality
What is morally right and wrong in any circumstance at all times
Definition of sanctity of life
Life is sacred because it is God given and should be protected and respected by all
Definition of value of life
The value of a person over and above physical value
Definition of quality of life
A measure of fulfilment
When do most Christians and Muslims believe life begins at
Conception - when the sperm meets the egg and this is part of a bigger plan made by God. They believe it is from this moment that it is a human life and has rights
When do some Muslims believe life begins at
After the foetus is 120 days old as that is when they receive a soul - but they also believe there is potential life at conception
What does Genesis 1:27 say
‘So God created human beings, making them to be like himself …’ - This argues that people shouldn’t have plastic surgery or be cloned
What does Mathew 22:39 say
‘The second most commandment is like it: ‘love your neighbour as you love yourself’’ - This shows you should accept others choices e.g. if they want to be transgender
What does Ecclesiastes 3:1 say
‘Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses’ - This argues that you shouldn’t have IVF
What does Exodus 20:3 say
‘Do not commit murder’ - This argues that you shouldn’t commit murder
What does the 1990 Human Fertilisation & Embryology Act
You are not allowed to keep an embryo after the primitive streak is visible (14 days after fertilisation)
What is IVF
Creating a human life outside the body of the mother by using a petri dish to put sperm into an egg
What is egg donation
Harvesting several eggs from a donor woman. They can be used for a woman to make her own baby via IVF or they can be given to another woman who needs IVF
What is AIH (Artificial Insemination by Husband)
The sperm of the husband’s and wife’s egg are fertilised in a petri dish in a lab. The embryo is created outside the mother’s body and then inserted artificially back in her womb
What is surrogacy
A substitute mother who carries a baby for a couple. The baby may have been created by IVF. It is given to a couple to bring up
What is AID (Artificial Insemination by Donor)
Using the donor sperm of a man who is not the lady’s partner to fertilise the egg
What is embryo donation
A couple can receive a fertilised embryo, because they are unable to make their own baby naturally. The baby is not biologically related to the parents who bring it up
Reasons for IVF
Anything that creates new life is good
It allows homosexual couples to have a baby
God told Adam & Eve to have a lot of children (that means by any means necessary)
Infertility is a medical problem that can be treated like any other illness. God has given doctors the skills to resolve this problem
It is a personal choice that should be accepted (Mathew 22:39)
Reasons against IVF
Only God decides when you should have a baby (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
People should adopt a child instead and give them a better life
Using donor sperm is like adultery. You are bringing in a 3rd person into the relationship
Disposing embryos is like murder (Exodus 20:3)
Sex is the only way you should create children, anything else is unnatural
Childlessness could be due to bad karma, IVF goes against this
What is transplant surgery
The removal of a faulty organ replaced by a healthy organ taken from a donor (usually after death)
What organs and tissues can be donated
Eyes/cornea Lungs Liver Intestine Heart / Heart valves Kidneys Pancreas Skin Bone marrow Tendons Femoral & Saphenous veins
Definition of cloning
The exact genetic replica is created of something already living