Posted: December 11th, 2022

Bioethical issues and Catholic Church

Bioethical issues and Catholic Church

What are some of the bioethical issues that the Catholic Church has with genetic enhancement? Refer to reading: Metzl, Jaime Human Genetic Engineering, and the Catholic Church. Do you agree/disagree/ unsure with regard the Church’s position?

Find the link to the reading: https://jamiemetzl.com/human-genetic-engineering-and-the-catholic-church/
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Sample Answer:
The Catholic Church has several bioethical concerns regarding genetic enhancement. One of the main issues is the belief that human beings are created in the image of God and therefore should not be altered or manipulated in ways that go against God’s plan. The Church also believes that genetic enhancement could lead to a “eugenic mentality” in which certain individuals or groups are deemed superior to others based on their genetic makeup.

In addition to these moral concerns, the Church also has practical concerns about the potential consequences of genetic enhancement. For example, there are concerns that such enhancements could lead to social inequality and discrimination, as only those who can afford the technology would be able to access it. There are also concerns about the potential long-term effects of genetic enhancements on individuals and society as a whole.

In the article “Human Genetic Engineering and the Catholic Church,” author Jaime Metzl discusses the Church’s position on genetic enhancement in more detail. He notes that the Church has consistently opposed genetic enhancement, citing both moral and practical concerns. For example, the Church has argued that genetic enhancement could lead to the dAssessment of human life, as individuals with enhanced genetic traits may be seen as superior to those without such enhancements.

The Church has also expressed concerns about the potential negative effects of genetic enhancement on human dignity and the common good. In particular, the Church has emphasized the need to respect the inherent dignity of every human being, regardless of their genetic makeup.

In terms of practical concerns, the Church has argued that genetic enhancement could lead to social inequality and the exclusion of certain individuals or groups from society. The Church has also raised concerns about the potential long-term consequences of genetic enhancement, such as the potential for unforeseen side effects or the creation of new forms of discrimination.

As such, the Catholic Church’s position on genetic enhancement is one of caution and concern. The Church believes that such enhancements could have negative moral and practical consequences, and therefore should be avoided.

As a member of the Catholic faith, I generally agree with the Church’s position on genetic enhancement. I believe that human beings are created in the image of God and therefore should not be altered or manipulated in ways that go against God’s plan. I also share the Church’s concerns about the potential negative effects of genetic enhancement on human dignity and the common good.

However, I also recognize that there may be certain circumstances in which genetic enhancement could be beneficial, such as in the case of medical treatments for genetic disorders. In these cases, I believe it is important to carefully weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks and to approach such enhancements with caution and ethical consideration.

By and large, I believe that the Catholic Church’s position on genetic enhancement is a thoughtful and nuanced one that takes into account both the moral and practical implications of such enhancements. While I agree with the Church’s concerns, I also believe that there may be certain situations in which genetic enhancement could be acceptable if carefully considered and ethically implemented.

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