Through an examination of historical landmarks and varying Protestant perspectives, this article demonstrates how one’s theology of sexuality, or lack thereof, influences reproductive decisions.
Category Archives: Original Article
Ethics and Empirical Knowledge: A Critical Ethical, Partially Detached Interpretation of Experiences of Relatives of Patients Who Received Euthanasia
In this article, we propose a four-step framework for the meaningful synthesis of empirical knowledge and ethical reflection.
Does the Use of Puberty-Suppressing Drugs Satisfy the Requirements of Informed Consent?
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (“puberty blockers”) have rapidly become the preferred method of treatment for childhood gender nonconformity or for teenagers experiencing various levels of gender dysphoria. Use of these drugs raises questions regarding the ability of prepubescent children to give an informed consent to life-altering interventions with unknown future effects. The article argues the use of puberty blockers fails to meet the standard of informed consent.
When I Am Vulnerable, Imitatio Dei?
An analysis of patient autonomy through the lens of the theology of vulnerability and the Trinitarian approach to holistic healthcare decisions.
Human Flourishing and Contentment in a Biotechnological Context
Flourishing and contentment are connected but distinct. In Christian perspective, the goal of human enhancement is not conducive to human flourishing, whereas a therapeutic approach to the body is. However, the virtue of contentment means willingness to forgo even therapeutic treatment under certain circumstances. This article attempts to argue for these conclusions with reference to the contrast between the natural and the transhuman and by considering the significance of disability and the church as the body of Christ.
Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy, the Embryo, and Community
Mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT), also known as mitochondrial donation (MD), is promoted as an option to prevent transmission of mitochondrial disorders to offspring. Since its first reported use in humans, MRT has raised numerous ethical and medical concerns. This article will explore the technology behind MRT and arguments in favor of and opposing it, concluding that a response through the lens of Scripture promotes flourishing of individuals and families affected by mitochondrial disorders without sacrificing others in the process.
On the Ethics of Global Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccines: A Kenyan Perspective
The end of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to be achieved through large-scale vaccination of the global population. So far vaccination against COVID-19 has been shown to reduce mortality and morbidity, minimize economic and social burdens, and ensure that people resume their everyday activities. Fair and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines is critical in ensuring ethical distribution globally. This paper discusses ethical allocation of COVID-19 vaccines, focusing on models that have been proposed for global allocation, as well as provides a discussion on a Christian response to the pandemic.
The Pandemic, Empathy Fatigue, and Ethical Motivations: Kant on Conscience and Scotus on Love
The social effects of the pandemic have exacerbated the ability and desire to overcome empathy fatigue and, consequently, have engendered more indifference towards others and isolationism among the population. These effects challenge society’s moral resolve to care for others. In this paper I present two ethical explanations of the basis of morality and moral action—Immanuel Kant’s ethic of pure will (conscience) and John Duns Scotus’ ethic of an ontology of love, and endeavor to show that a morality based solely on our rationally justifiable conscience does not adequately compel us to overcome empathy fatigue, whereas a morality based on an acknowledgement and affirmation of the lovableness of others can propel us to overcome empathy fatigue.
A Theology of Human Limitation and Medicine
Christians view sickness as a part of life. Yet, modern medicine finds little purpose in the embodied human who is also a spiritual being. While Christians live with the two-fold reality that sickness and death will occur, they do not need to languish without medical treatment.
Ethical Evaluation of New Biomedical Technologies Using Past Case Studies in Pharmaceutical Medicine
Biomedical enhancements have the potential to extend human capacities and significantly improve human life. Consequently, their widespread use may yield greater benefits than current interventions in biopharmaceutical medicine. Ethical assessment of novel biomedical technologies prior to widespread adoption is therefore important.