snape @ USC

From my research on a particular scientific study conducted in Mexico on Embryos, I learned that these studies have been considered controversial because they use human bodies to grow embryos. Women involved in the study are artificially inseminated and then undergo a process called lavage to flush out the embryos so they can be looked at. Since this study was the first instance of genetically analyzing naturally conceived embryos, there are some benefits to the research ( NPR ). The studies found that natural embryos are equal to and slightly healthier than IVF embryos which could allow for a cheaper alternative to IVF to be available ( NPR ). However, the position I am leaning more toward is deeming the study unethical. On one hand, the women in the study do have the autonomy to do what they want with their bodies however, because of the money offered for the study, the existence of their informed, just, and free consent is up for question. There is a benefice to the study–offering a...

  For WP3, I am choosing to write about a specific case of embryo research related to decreasing the demand for in vitro fertilization. The research I am diving into surrounds a study conducted in Mexico that involved producing embryos to be studied by artificially inseminating female bodies belonging to young women. The ethical dilemma is raised because of the setting and the involvement of capital incentives. The women involved themselves in the study of their free will however the significant cash offer creates questions about the amount of free-thinking that went into their decisions to participate. The ethical pillars of justice, autonomy, and benefice conflict. Due to the unjust socioeconomic situation in the particular area of the study, it could be inferred that the mode of incentivization targeted autonomy and particularly the bodily autonomy of women. Also, another key argument is the benefice that the study ultimately brings outweighs–or doesn’t outweigh–the possibility ...