Aplication of ethical theories to Genetic engineering

Christian ethics

The sanctity of life- human life, including embryonic life has intrinsic value so should be protected.
For christians following a Natural Law appoach to ethics, the modification of plants and using animals is considered to present no ethical problems.
Using our God-given intellegence is good, but not at the expense of human life.
Situation ethics would aplly agape but its difficult to apply this yo creating embryos from stem cell research.
GE could be good stewardship and being co-creators with God.

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The primary precept of preservation of life means using and destroying embryos for research is wrong.
The use of adult stem cells could be justified as it preseves life by curing disease.
Each human has value-the regardlkess of any genetic imperfection.

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Prevention and curing of disease is fulfilling the greatest good for the greatest number.
The life of an embryo has no intrinsic value .
The pleasures brought about by possible cures far outweigh the cost to the embyos.
The consequences are as yet uncertain as GE is still in its infancy, so the likelihood of success and the cost also needs to be considered.

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Humans as ends in themselves-is embryo a human.
Could involve the explotation of people- farmers for GM crops, saviour siblings, and designer babies and so on.
Universalisation- a rational person would choose to be born without a genetic defect and this can be universalised.
Autonomy - human rights need to be respected, consent should be obtained.

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