title: The post-humanist embryo: genetic manipulation, assisted reproductive technologies and the Principle of Procreative Beneficence.
abstract: Drawing from Julian Savulescu's argument for the obligation to use technological interventions for the enhancement human life, the Principle of Procreative Beneficence (PPB) states that parents have a moral obligation to use available reproductive technologies, including techniques of genetic manipulation, to create children who have the best chance of enjoying the best possible life. The aim of this study is to analyse the extent to which the possibility of using genetic manipulation to promote specific personality traits and thereby enhance human life is actually supported by current scientific knowledge and to determine whether the techniques employed in embryo selection comply with the PPB. In light of this analysis, the importance of involving the scientific community in the enhancement debate will be made clear. Moreover, when current knowledge of genetic and epigenetic processes and evidence of the risks of assisted reproductive technologies are taken into account, we find sufficient reason - even when guided by the PPB - to abstain from the use of current techniques of genetic manipulation and embryonic selection.
authors: ICS, Mind-brain: Biology and Subjectivity in Contemporary Philosophy and Neuroscience. Humanities Faculty, Department of Philosophy. Universidad de Navarra, Edificio Bibliotecas, Campus Universitario. Despacho 2951, 31009 Pamplona. fguell@unav.es.
authors: Francisco
authors: F
authors: Güell Pelayo
mesh_terms: D000025:Abortion, Eugenic / Q000941:ethics; D026686:Beneficence; D003657:Decision Making; D019924:Embryo Disposition / Q000941:ethics; D033041:Embryo Research / Q000941:ethics*; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000941:ethics; D005053:Eugenics; D005818:Genetic Engineering / Q000941:ethics* / Q000379:methods; D024861:Genetic Enhancement / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods; D006808:Humanism; D006801:Humans; D028681:Moral Obligations; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis / Q000941:ethics; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000941:ethics; D011788:Quality of Life; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000941:ethics*; D012743:Sex Preselection / Q000941:ethics