The Ethics of Genetically Enhancing Children Essays

Medical professionals today can screen for certain genetic traits (genetic diseases and sex) with in vitro fertilization and preimplantation genetic diagnosis to obtain a healthy child, and reproductive technology continues to improve. With this in mind, the question arises whether sex selection is ethical. Julian Savulescu, Uehiro Professor of Practical Ethics at Oxford University, argues that sex selection is moral, based on his ethical principle of Procreative Beneficence: that â€Å"couples (or single reproducers) should select the child, of the possible children they could have, who is expected to have the best life, or at least as good a life as the others, based on the relevant, available information† [Savulescu 1]. Savulescu claims†¦show more content†¦It reflects the values of a parent wanting the best for the child and also actively seeking out information to make a good decision rather than remaining willfully ignorant in the advent of new technology. In ad dition, well-being in human society is boosted. However, Savulescu has packaged sex selection into his very broad argument and made serious oversights. In a society without gender discrimination, selecting the sex of a child should, in principal, have no bearing to how â€Å"good† a life the child may have. Therefore, Procreative Beneficence should say nothing about which sex one should choose in such a society, or whether that choice even needs to be made. Preferring a child of one sex over another would then be discriminatory: one would be making a prejudiced choice for best likelihood for highest well-being based on an irrelevant consideration. Procreative Beneficence with sex selection then only returns discrimination to a society which has eliminated it. One may object this mild form of discrimination can be justified in a society that treats its born members in a non-sexist way. Steinbock believes there is nothing inherently immoral about sex selection. He reasons sex selection is, in itself, just a choice which is a parental right, noting that even if there is a correlation in some cultures between sex selection and oppression of women, this does not imply that sex selection causes the oppression or that eliminating sex selection will stop itShow MoreRelatedThe Ethics of Genetically Enhancing Children Essay1330 Words   |  6 Pages The term designer children is unnerving at first to many. The idea of parents designing the genetic makeup of their offspring makes children seem like a commodity in a genetic free market. Thoughts of a dystopian society like the one in the film â€Å"Gattaca† come to mind. However, taking an immediate repugnant stand against genetic enhancement is not well-founded. A more open-minded inspection of the issue reveals that the idea of parents improving their children’s life prospects through genetic engineeringRead MoreThe Case Against Perfection : Ethics And The Problems That Arise From It1175 Words   |  5 Pagesof individuality. The parent can now choose how they want their child to come out or develop into. Sandel’s book The Case Against Perfection: Ethics in the Case of Modern Eugenics is a well researched look into examples of modern eugenics and the problems that arise from it. These topics range from the ethics of cloning, athletes using performance enhancing drugs, and other practical uses in everyday life. Sandel’s argument is that there is value in human nature (even with all its flaws), and geneticRead MoreGenetic Engineering Research Paper1341 Words   |  6 Pages This is called â€Å"genetic engineering.† Genetic Engineering is prematurely applied to food production. There are estimates that food output must increase by 60 percen t over the next 25 years to keep up with demand. Thus, the result of scientist genetically altering plants for more consumption. The two most common methods for gene transfer are biological and electromechanical. â€Å"Early experiments all involved changing DNA using bacterial vectors†(Randerson, 2001). Through other advances scientists proclaimRead MoreSuperhuman By Choice Or Genes?1716 Words   |  7 Pagesgoes for perfection, there is no limit on how much a person can do to reach their ideal perfection status. Their perception is key, an individual’s perception on perfection will shape their views on what Sandel is trying to argue, that genetically altering or enhancing genetic makeup is a bad idea. In the first case Sandel focuses our attention on, â€Å"hyperparenting.† Hyperparenting can be classified as parents who, â€Å"†¦obsessively attend to every detail of their children’s lives† (Sandel, 430). In theRead MoreEssay on Testosterone in Sports1720 Words   |  7 Pagesthe playing field even. However, testosterone levels in men and women vary. For example, Caster Semenya won gold in the 2009 women’s world championship in the 800m swim. The International Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) tested her for enhancing drugs and for being a man. The results of the drug test were negative. The results of the gender test are kept confidential for privacy. The results are unimportant. The article focuses on what Semenya’s case means for anti-doping, for women’sRead MoreThe Ethics Of Designer Babies943 Words   |  4 PagesClara Johnson Prof. Sara Clark English Composition Essay #4 The Ethics of Designer Babies As we stand in the world today, we as humans have never been more technologically advanced or scientifically intelligent. We have the ability to explore outer space and the depths of the oceans. We are even in the process of developing organs using 3D printing technology. But there is a limit to the extent of advancements that humankind can reach before some begin to pose dangers to humanity or become unethicalRead MoreThe Case Against Perfection By Michael Sandel Summary1460 Words   |  6 PagesIn the first portion of Sandel’s paper titled, The Case Against Perfection, Michael Sandel discussed the moral and ethics debate surrounding the notion of in the future designing our offspring by altering their genes prior to conception. Within his argument, Sandal focuses on four main arguments surrounding the following realms of enhancement: muscles, memory, growth hormone treatment, and reproductive technologies (Sandel 52). Firstly, Sandel argues that genetic modifications in i mproving musclesRead MoreThe Violation Of Reproductive Freedom1210 Words   |  5 Pagesnotion has come about that that couples and individuals may take an interest in eugenics on behalf of their potential offspring. The idea is that people of their own free will choose to partake in these scientific advances in order to benefit their children and give them genetics that the parents personally find to be advantageous. However, this option would only be made available to those fortunate enough to have finances that would support this (Goering, 2014). Increased economic disparity is an apparentRead MoreAn Immoral Injustice: Designer Babies702 Words   |  3 Pagesbe carried out and not altered. A loss of humanity and a violation of rights occurs because the child affected has no say in what is being done (Catalano n.p.). An additional reason to not genetically change children is because â€Å"being a good parent is surely not about enhancing our children but about enhancing our chi ldren’s lives through making them feel loved, accepted and wanted† (qtd. in Catalano n.p). In conclusion, as technology will continue to elevate, so will the possibilities to holdRead MoreA Brief Note On Genetic Engineering And Enhancement1779 Words   |  8 Pagesour way of playing God? Principles of caution, respect for autonomy, eugenics, and beneficence are things to consider. I believe there’s a world of possibilities that can come with genetic engineering, but guidelines regarding the use, conduct, and ethics of it should be under intense supervision. 1. Positives of Genetic Engineering: There are many positive things that can come from genetic engineering for many difference fields including agriculture. Genetic engineering in agriculture can be used

Therapeutic Diet Teaching Plan Gluten Free Diet Free Essays

Celiac disease is a genetic disease which affects almost one percent of the U. S. population. We will write a custom essay sample on Therapeutic Diet Teaching Plan: Gluten Free Diet or any similar topic only for you Order Now Surprisingly enough, almost 95% of people with celiac disease are either misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. Having celiac disease means that one’s immune system is attacking any gluten that has been ingested causing damage to the small intestine. The damage done to the small intestine will prevent absorption of necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. The only way to treat celiac disease is by removing all gluten from one’s diet. Celiac disease can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms are generally gas, bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. Many people suffering from these symptoms tend to self-prescribe solutions such as Pepto-Bismol or other such remedies for common indigestion. The only way to get an accurate diagnosis is from an antibody test done via a simple blood test. If necessary, a small intestine biopsy can be performed as well to provide a more concrete confirmation of the presence of the disease. The unfortunate reality is that there is no pharmaceutical treatment available. The only solution is to go â€Å"gluten-fee. Once gluten has been consumed, the individual will have to live with the consequences until the body has been able to rid itself of the gluten. Although the symptoms might seem bearable enough to continue consuming gluten products, there are a number of serious side effects to that decision. A person afflicted with celiac disease that goes untreated will likely suffer from infertility, some cancers, and most defini tely malnutrition. Caring for a newly diagnosed celiac patient requires educating that patient on a number of topics. The first topic being that celiac disease is not short term. It will require a lifelong lifestyle change that can be difficult for a number of people. Also, as celiac can be asymptomatic and is genetic in nature, relatives (if not already) should also be tested for the disease. Once the initial shock has been allowed to sink in, presentation of diet options need to be completed as treatment should begin as immediately as possible. It is important to know what â€Å"gluten† is. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley. Any food item containing any of the previously listed items will no longer be consumable for a patient with celiac. Gluten â€Å"hides† in all sorts of different food items. Reading labels will have to become a part of the grocery shopping experience. Even foods like chicken, which might carry the assumption of being gluten free, have to be purchased with caution as chickens are injected with wheat fillers to provide the meat with more flavor. It should not be assumed that packages claiming to be â€Å"gluten free† are. The only way to be sure is to read the label and note the ingredients. Also, food items that are processed on equipment which also handle wheat items should be eaten with caution. The most obvious attack to a celiac diet is that on the carbohydrate food group. Seemingly all bread items are no longer available including but not limited to: pizza, bagels, bread, pasta, and cakes. However, the good news is that with the rise in population of those afflicted with celiac, breads and other such carbohydrate products are being made with flaxseed and/ or brown rice. Instead of focusing on finding foods with a wheat base, one can look for breads made with rice, corn, potatoes, soybeans, or tapioca. Although eating foods from the dairy group can be troublesome when immediately beginning treatment for celiac, these foods can be added back into the diet after a few weeks. It is okay to eventually eat cheese and milk. Most ice creams will need to be avoided as they most likely will contain gluten, especially those sporting fancy added toppings such as Oreos and/or cookie dough. There are a few other food items to take into consideration when planning gluten free meals. Processed and breaded meats along with breaded vegetables need to be avoided. Most canned soups, salad dressings, and soy sauce will contain gluten. Sadly, the vast majority of desserts will no longer be able to be enjoyed. Although, one can now find on the shelves of some grocery stores boxed mixes for items such as brownies and cookies. Of course, being a product of wheat and barley, beer is also no longer consumable. The gluten free diet will take getting used to. It can be extremely difficult to give up foods (pizza, for example) that have become personal favorites. It can be made even more frustrating by the fact that symptoms generally take several weeks to go away. However, once the symptoms are gone, the freedom from pain and discomfort will bring much more happiness than a piece of toast. How to cite Therapeutic Diet Teaching Plan: Gluten Free Diet, Papers

External Environment Analysis of Coca-Cola free essay sample

Both companies have invested hundreds of millions of dollars over the years to create brand loyalty, and both have made huge strides around the world, gaining millions of new customers outside of the United States. (Manta, Inc. , 2012) Most new entrants would find it difficult to provide significant enough margins to retailers. If a new entrant began gaining ground, Coca-Cola could simply raise margins enough to buy all of the available shelf space until the new entrant was out of business. If the product were viable enough, Coca-Cola has more than enough financial means to purchase the newcomer and the rights to its product line. Bargaining Power of Suppliers (low threat): There are a large number of suppliers for the ingredients that go into Coca-Cola’s products, and those commodities are inexpensive. Coloring, sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, caramel color, vanilla, lime extract and most of the other ingredients are readily available from several large suppliers. We will write a custom essay sample on External Environment Analysis of Coca-Cola or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The one exception to this is the artificial sweeteners that go into most of the diet products; these are available from only a few suppliers and this gives them more leverage than distributors of the other ingredients. (Sheth Sisodia, 2002) (Manta, Inc. , 2012) Although the ingredients themselves are extremely important to Coca-Cola’s secret formula, ingredient substitutes are easy to come by because of the similarity of the raw materials, and the switching cost would be fairly low if Coca-Cola decided to change suppliers. Coca-Cola’s business is very important to the suppliers because of the extremely large volume of product that Coca-Cola purchases; therefore, most of the suppliers have no real leverage. (Merrett, 2008) Bargaining Power of Customers (low threat): Coca-Cola utilizes authorized bottlers who purchase concentrated formulas in very high volumes, but since the Company is usually the largest or the only customer of these bottlers, their margins are quite high. These customers have very little bargaining power. (Gaudet, 2009)