Ethics Essay: Saviour Sibling Debate & Ethical Theories

Question

Discuss the case for and against conceiving a child to be a genetic match for a sibling with a life-threatening illness and support the arguments with reference to two relevant ethical theories. Compare the strengths and weaknesses of each ethical theory in your essay.

Ethical theories refer to the following:

• Utilitarianism
• Deontology
• Virtue/Confucian ethics
• Principlism (or the four-principles theory)

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Expert Answers on Above Ethics Essay

The situation involving creation of a child as a genetic match in order to save a seriously ill sibling raises ethical issues.

Arguments in favour

The utilitarianism theory emphasizes on achieving the greatest good for the greatest number. Utilising this principle, the above scenario of saving a child by conceiving a saviour sibling is intended to produce positive overall consequences, and the ultimate outcome would be happiness within the family. The saving of the new child would result in significant benefits that would outweigh the harm, and it is therefore justified to go ahead with the decision considering the utilitarianism theory principle.
Strengths and weaknesses: The core strength point is the outcome which is aimed at saving the life while the weakness is the ignorance of autonomy.

Arguments against

This can be understood by utilising the theory of the deontological ethics which focuses on duties, rights and moral rules and does not consider consequences. According to this theory, every child should be treated as an individual and not as a tool. Conceiving a child with the purpose of donation would directly violate the principle of human dignity, and it will be considered as morally wrong even if the outcome is positive.
Strength and weakness: The main strength point is it protects the rights and dignity of individuals. While the weakness is the negative outcome which is mainly in terms of preventable death of the sick sibling.

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