Tag Archives: theological bioethics

The Moral Status of the Embryo in the Ethical Debate over In Vitro Fertilization

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Abstract

On February 29, 2024, the Alabama State Legislature raised a national debate over the ethics of In Vitro Fertilization. The Los Angeles Times on March 4 declared the law’s assumption that the embryo is a person (and by extension would have moral status) must be opposed because it stifles the right of women to have abortions and use IVF. In this paper I argue that an embryo has moral status based on what I call its “organic destiny,” which reveals its goodness of existence. I explain this according to the inner directivity of biological life to mature through the stages of being an embryo, newborn, toddler, to adulthood. The biggest ethical problem with the procedure of IVF is what to do with the leftover embryos not used in the process. IVF per se does not necessarily overlook the moral status of the embryo, but to discard the leftovers because they are now superfluous would overlook and disrespect their moral status. Thus, for the procedure of IVF to recognize ethically the moral status of the embryo, it should proceed with only one embryo at a time.

Keywords: In Vitro Fertilization, Moral Status, Embryo, Organic Destiny, Aristotle, Bible

Variance in Viewpoints: Protestant Perspectives on Birth Control and Assisted Reproduction

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Abstract

One’s view of the link between sex and reproduction typically correlates with one’s stance on birth control and assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF. While the Roman Catholic Church holds a clear conviction regarding these technologies and interventions, Protestant (bio)ethicists and individuals alike vary in their viewpoints. When it comes to contraception, Protestants typically fall into three categories: completely against, completely in support, or allowed with restrictions. Opinions on assisted reproduction typically are affirmative or opposed. 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.

Keywords: contraception, sexuality, assisted reproduction, women’s health, reproductive technologies, religious ethics

Ethics and Empirical Knowledge: A Critical Ethical, Partially Detached Interpretation of Experiences of Relatives of Patients Who Received Euthanasia

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Abstract

The use of empirical data in ethics is on the rise. At the same time, its role in “discovering the good” is much debated. Many scholars—especially those rooted in a modernist, liberal philosophical thinking and influenced by the natural sciences discourse—claim that ethicists should detach from their own considered moral judgments. Others are in favor of disclosing one’s own moral presuppositions in advance. Both positions can be difficult for Christian and other religious ethicists. Detachment could make ethical reflection meaningless and disclosure could alienate the ethicist from their interlocutors. In this article, we propose a four-step framework for the meaningful synthesis of empirical knowledge and ethical reflection. As a case, we use materials from our recently published collection of lived experiences of relatives of patients who received euthanasia.

Keywords: Ethics, Empirical Knowledge, Euthanasia, Theological Ethics, Detachment

Climate Change Related Health Hazards and the Academic Responsibility of Evangelical Bioethicists

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Abstract

This article will explore the academic responsibility of Evangelical bioethicists to address climate change related health hazards. First, it will provide evidence-based data on climate change related health hazards, which disproportionately affect the poor and vulnerable worldwide, and as such are a form of environmental racism. Second, it will look at responses to climate change. So-called “climate change deniers” in the United States—the majority of which are Evangelical—will be addressed and the argument will be put forth that, regardless of the causes of climate change, climate change bioethics is part of the Christian tradition of healing and justice. Focusing on climate health hazards builds consensus across partisan and denominational lines by addressing the result—not the cause—of climate change. Third, the article will confront the academic responsibility of Evangelical bioethicists in addressing climate change related health hazards using the paradigm of H. Richard Niebuhr’s homo dialectus. It will, fourth, offer public theology and biblical scholarship as ways to engage this matter of moral significance. The conclusion will urge Evangelical bioethicists to develop a framework, such as Evangelical environmental bioethics, to effectively address climate change health hazards.

Keywords:

Climate change; human health; Evangelical theology; H. Richard Niebuhr; responsibility; sustainability; practical theology; theological bioethics