Part 1: Initial Blog Post on a Bioethical Issue

After completing this week’s reading assignment (Chapters 11, 12 & 13), select a Bioethical issue (for example, mandatory DNA fingerprinting, gene therapy trials etc.) and research it further. Find a reliable, useful website that discusses how science interacts with our daily lives.

Share the website with the class by writing a full paragraph summary of what you have learned or have found particularly helpful when reviewing the website.

Part 2: Blog Response post

Peruse some of the Blog entries made by your fellow classmates. Choose at least one that you found useful and comment on how the website helped you with your understanding. The comment should be 100 words minimum.

For Part 2 – posting the Blog Response Post to a fellow classmate

So I need a blog post and 2 replies for my classmates:

Blog 1 by Zoraida Restrepo
Abortion is one of the most common arguments in bioethics. It is an issue that was first brought into the bioethics by evangelical Christians and other religions. The main controversy with this topic is whether fetuses are considered humans or not. As Beckwith (2001) stated humans should not be used for research purposes or get killed without explanation, and if a fetus from conception is a human being, then, experimentation, abortion, and cloning are self-evident to be morally wrong. With this research, I was able to comprehend that some bioethicists avoid the facts of personal identity by acquiring a neutral point of view with respect to the subject.

In addition, even courts have been evading the questions of identity even though it is stated that it has been discussed and acknowledged. For example, “We need to not resolve the difficult question of when life begins. When those trained in the respective disciplines of medicine, philosophy, and theology are unable to arrive at any consensus, the judiciary, at this point in the development of man’s knowledge, is not in a position to speculate.” (Blackmun, 1973, pg. 160). Therefore, this places the state in the position to remain neutral not make assumptions about the principle of life, and not coerce people to agree with that conclusion.

To conclude, I also gained an understanding that from a scientific point of view, human life does start at conception and does not end until natural death has occurred. Furthermore, I was also able to acknowledge that this question was justified and avoided. I believe that this argument is a difficult one to have and that at the end of the day, the important is to take into consideration the pros and cons and the main reasons that pregnant women may need an abortion. To conclude, even though I had knowledge about abortion due to my experience working at a GYN this research has made me gain even more knowledge.

Blog 2 by Ty’Teinautica Coleman

Euthanasia

Euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, and abortion are some of the most controversial and complex topics in bioethics. They challenge our views on the value of human life and the autonomy of individuals. In this study, I explored these issues from different perspectives and learned a lot from the research of Malikentzou et al. (2021). One of the main things I learned was that euthanasia is not a simple concept. It has different definitions and classifications, such as active and passive euthanasia voluntary and non-voluntary euthanasia, among others. These distinctions have important implications for the ethical and legal aspects of euthanasia.

Moreover, the history of euthanasia shows how it can be abused and misused for dreadful purposes. Hence, it is crucial to have transparent and consistent criteria for euthanasia and its practice. Another thing I discovered was that there is a tension between two fundamental values: the sanctity of human life and the right to self-determination. These values are often in conflict when it comes to euthanasia. For example, some argue that these practices violate the blessedness of mortal life, while others claim that they appreciate the privilege of decisiveness. The study showed that public opinion on these issues is divided and influenced by various aspects, such as religion, age, gender, and profession. For instance, lawyers tend to be more supportive of these approaches than doctors (Malikentzou et al., 2021). Also, I gleaned about the current controversies and developments in bioethics and law. The study introduced me to fundamental concepts and principles that guide bioethical reasoning, such as dignity, rectitude, beneficence, non-maleficence, and informed consent. It also provided me with some examples of how different countries and religions approach these issues and what challenges they face. These insights will help me understand the complexity and assortment of bioethical dilemmas and how to address them respectfully and responsibly.

In conclusion, this study was highly instructive and informational for me. It aided me in gaining a more in-depth understanding of euthanasia and related bioethical issues. It also challenged me to think critically and reflectively about my beliefs and values. This study benefits anyone who wants to learn more about the ethical and legal aspects of euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, and abortion.