Embryo experimentation and the murder prohibition: a casuistic examination of the utilitarian and pro-life positions on the moral status of the embryo.
Argument concerning the permissibility of embryo experimentation has tended to proceed from the opposed ethical principles of utilitarianism and the sanctity of human life, neither of which entirely reflects Western society's present position on murder and moral obligations. Singer's utilitarian arguments propose a test of subject attributes for admission to the protection of morality, and it is argued that this approach is entirely at odds with our current axiomatic application of the murder prohibition of post-birth humans. Similarly, those arguing from a pro-life position do not take account of the ambivalence of our application of this principle to the pre-birth human, as seen in abortion. In the attempt to deal with the quandary of the moral position of the embryo, we should, following the philosophical precedent of casuistry, start from the position of our current moral certainties, rather than expose ourselves to the social dangers of an untried rationality divorced from practice.
Sullivan
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National Perinatal Statistics Unit, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
D001315:Australia; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006708:Homicide / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006805:Human Experimentation; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D009014:Morals; D010146:Pain; D010684:Philosophy; D012106:Research / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence