The right to a child

1. The right to a child LO: I will know how Natural Law, Kant, Christian ethics and utilitarianism would choose the most suitable parents. H/W: Read Gibson article and prepare for a debate on Genetic Engineering for NEXT LESSON, which is TUES 4th (No lesson Monday) Plus: Additional Challenge 1 Be revising the ethical theories looked at so far.

2. JJ Thompson article • Issue of self defence; if foetus threatens mum’s life then abortion is acceptable • The woman owns her body, therefore, she has the right to choose to do with it as she wishes • The foetus only has a right to use the mothers body if the mother has a ‘special responsibility’ towards it. This responsibility is not acquired if the foetus is unwelcomed, or precautions were taken to prevent pregnancy Explain the violinist and the burglar metaphor

3. Michael Glover’s response • There are those who say that killing innocent people can never be justified, even if the plea of self-defence of some kind is an excuse or mitigation (reduces the seriousness of the situation). • Mary Anne Warren has said that ‘mere ownership does not give me the right to kill innocent people whom I find on my property.’ • Dangerous implications of Thompson’s view, e.g. if I meet a complete stranger to whom I have assumed no ‘special obligations’, then there is no moral objection to torturing or killing him if it is to my advantage to do so.

4. The octuplet mother • What makes her a good mother? • Is she an ideal parent? • What is an ideal parent? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUHn8x8wk_o

5. The adoption agency You are a social worker at an adoption agency. You have a number of people to consider when deciding who should adopt a baby girl. These people are: • A married couple with 2 children • A married couple with no children • A single parent • A same sex couple • A non married couple • Someone who was an ex-criminal • Someone previously convicted of paedophilia What would Natural law, Kant, Christian ethics and utilitarianism use to make their decision? Use the handout provided to help

6. Natural Law • Natural conception – Any other means would be rejected • Preservation of life • All life has equal status • Absolute theory – does not take into consideration the consequences

7. Utilitarianism (see Peter Singer) • Weigh up the pain and happiness • Actions judged by consequences • No one’s happiness more important than anothers, so the happiness of couple who may adopt is considered • Utilitarianism does not protect the status of the embryo, nor does it see it as sacred in any way.

8. Kant • People as ends not means  Categorical imperative • All humans to have same moral treatment • There is the danger of treating the creation of human life as just another consumer good • Universalisability would question whether it is acceptable to offer IVF to every infertile couple.

9. Christian ethics • Sanctity of life • Child as God’s gift • Life as sacred – the child should be the result of the love the couple have for each other • A child should be raised in the context of a heterosexual, permanent relationship between parents. • Fletcher would be in favour in some cases – technologies and creative skills can be used for compassionate reasons

10. Types of fertility treatment Some examples…. • IVF - ‘Test tube babies’ • Surrogacy – A woman is used as a substitute to give birth and then relinquish the baby to someone else • Artificial insemination – be it from the husband or someone who is a sperm donor

11. The issues with fertility treatment • Do we all have the right to a child? • When are we too old to have a child? • Is a child a gift? • Are we all responsible enough to have a child? • How expensive is IVF? • Is it right to use an unknown donor? • Are we playing God?

12. Additional challenge 1 • John Stott on abortion

13. Begin reading … • Remember no lesson Monday.