HUMAN’S EMBRYOS AND FETUSES: WHAT OR WHO? (OUTLINE OF CONSTRUCTIVIST ANSWER)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33876/2224-9680/2021-1-21/07

Abstract

Technologies to edit human embryo genome have been developed recently but, according to some developers, have already proven efficient and safe. What blocks the start of their clinical application is the unsolved problem of moral and legal status of human embryos. A critical discussion of this challenge suggested by this article serves a double aim. First, culturological foundations of the conflict between pro-life and pro-choice advocates are discussed from the academic perspective. Introduced are the concept of clit culture, as well as idea of reformatting the difference between the good and evil, where the ultimate evil of death is replaced by the evil of suffering (pain).

As a result, in the technologies of abortion and euthanasia death becomes a medical means, while the procedures themselves become acts of doctor’s mercy. Second, a critical analysis of the conservative and liberal ideologemes is carried out, based on a discussion of two real cases. The perspective is that of a participant observer, a bioethician. This analysis allows to bring the conflicting positions closer together.

For a practical solution of the conflict, the models of a retroactive moral status of human embryos and feti are suggested, as well as a biotechnically constructed definition of “coming into the world”. The concept of anthropogenic phasic transitions and technoscience by B. G. Yudin serves as the theoretical foundation.

For citations: 

Tischenko P. D. (2021). Jembriony i plody cheloveka: chto ili kto? (abris konstruktivistskogo otveta) [Human’s Embryos and Fetuses: What or Who? (Outline of Constructivist Answer)]. Medicinskaja antropologija i biojetika [Medical Anthropology and Bioethics], 1 (21).