A Question of Ethics

Science has advanced at a far more rapid pace than our capacity to assimilate these changes. A good example of this is the debate on stem cell research. Should this be allowed or not. Both sides have their point of view which they are unwilling to change. Proponents say that stem cell research will result in break-throughs in medical advances. New types of treatments and cures for existing ailments will be developed. Opponents generally rely on the argument that all life including fetal life is sacred.

Another example: developments in genetics will soon allow people to screen for genetic abnormalities in fetuses. However, what is to prevent couples from making changes that are cosmetic in nature like increasing height? Is it ethical to do so? What about couples who opt not to do these kind of changes? What about couples who cannot afford to have these kind of changes done? Won't these be steps towards creating a society where opportunities are not equal because of genetic manipulations? Would we want to live in a society like that? These questions have been raised in books like Brave New World (by Aldous Huxley) and in movies like Gattaca.

What about using sperm banks to inseminate a woman when her husband is infertile? Should this be allowed?