Charting an Ethical Course: Topic Introduction

 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 of harm done to a control group of women test subjects. Scientists and doctors have a responsibility to strive toward further innovation for the benefit of humans however this is conflicted with the rights that women should have over their own bodies. 

Human Embryo

Source: https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn27460-womb-milk-nourishes-human-embryo-during-first-weeks-of-pregnancy/