Week 9 Chapter 10 Discussion Question

Balamanikanta Aluri

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 Bioethics

Introduction:

Bioethics, as an interdisciplinary field, delves into the ethical considerations surrounding

developments in biology, medicine, and healthcare. It grapples with moral dilemmas arising

from technological advancements and scientific breakthroughs, aiming to ensure that ethical

principles guide decisions in biomedical research and clinical practice. This paper explores

the multifaceted realm of bioethics, identifying technology drivers leading to ethical

concerns, discussing central ethical issues contributing to conflicts with technology,

providing real-world examples, and examining societal approaches to managing these

conflicts.

Defining Bioethics:

Bioethics encompasses the ethical implications of biomedical research, healthcare practices,

and biotechnological innovations (Gupta, 2021). It addresses questions of morality and values

in the context of emerging technologies and scientific endeavours, seeking to balance medical

progress with ethical considerations. Fundamental principles such as autonomy, beneficence,

non-maleficence, and justice underpin bioethical discourse, guiding decision-making

processes and ensuring ethical integrity in biomedicine and healthcare.

Technology Drivers and Ethical Concerns:

One prominent technology driver in bioethics is genetic engineering, particularly CRISPR-

Cas9 technology. While CRISPR holds promise for treating genetic diseases and enhancing

human health, it also raises profound ethical concerns. The ease with which CRISPR allows

for gene editing in embryos poses ethical questions about the morality of altering human

germline cells and potentially impacting future generations. Additionally, concerns about

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genetic discrimination, eugenics, and the unintended consequences of genetic modifications

underscore the ethical complexities surrounding CRISPR technology.

Central Ethical Issues and Conflicts:

Central ethical issues contributing to conflicts with technology in bioethics include autonomy,

justice, and the balance between beneficence and non-maleficence. Autonomy pertains to

individuals' right to make informed decisions about their healthcare, yet advancements like

artificial intelligence in medical decision-making raise concerns about patient autonomy and

privacy. Justice encompasses equitable access to healthcare resources and treatments, but

biases in AI algorithms can exacerbate disparities in healthcare delivery (Nazer et al., 2023).

Balancing beneficence (doing good) with non-maleficence (avoiding harm) becomes

challenging when innovative treatments pose unknown risks or when technologies like

CRISPR raise questions about the unintended consequences of genetic modifications.

Example of Conflict:

A notable example of the conflict between ethics and technology in bioethics is the case of

He Jiankui, a Chinese scientist who claimed to have edited the genes of twin girls using

CRISPR-Cas9 technology to confer resistance to HIV. This controversial experiment sparked

international outrage and renewed scrutiny of ethical guidelines for genetic editing. He's

actions raised concerns about the ethical oversight of biomedical research, the potential for

exploitation of genetic technologies, and the need for global governance frameworks to

regulate gene editing and ensure responsible scientific conduct.

Societal Approaches to Handling Conflict:

Society approaches the conflict between ethics, technology, and bioethics through a

combination of laws, regulations, ethical guidelines, and public discourse. Governments enact

legislation and establish regulatory bodies to oversee biomedical research, set ethical

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standards, and ensure compliance with ethical guidelines. Professional organizations and

healthcare institutions develop codes of conduct and best practices to guide ethical decision-

making in clinical settings. Public engagement and debate foster awareness of ethical issues

and encourage stakeholders to participate in shaping policies that govern bioethical practices.

Collaborative efforts between scientists, policymakers, ethicists, and the public are essential

for navigating the ethical complexities of biotechnology and healthcare in the 21st century.

Conclusion:

Bioethics serves as a critical framework for addressing the ethical challenges posed by

technological advancements in biotechnology and healthcare. As society continues to grapple

with the ethical implications of CRISPR, artificial intelligence, and other emerging

technologies, ethical principles must guide decisions to ensure responsible innovation and

equitable access to healthcare. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, promoting ethical

awareness, and enacting robust regulatory frameworks, society can navigate the complex

intersection of ethics, technology, and bioethics while upholding values of integrity,

autonomy, and justice in biomedicine and healthcare.

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 References

Gupta, A. (2021). Bioethics: Issues And Challenges. Journal of Science & Technology, 2(2),

11-30.

Nazer, L. H., Zatarah, R., Waldrip, S., Ke, J. X. C., Moukheiber, M., Khanna, A. K., &

Mathur, P. (2023). Bias in artificial intelligence algorithms and recommendations for

mitigation. PLOS digital health, 2(6), e0000278.