Since the first 'test tube baby', Bristolian Louise Brown, was conceived using IVF as far back as 1978 the science of human reproduction has developed beyond anything that seemed possible back then. But has our understanding of the moral and ethical issues kept pace with the science? If you have ever considered the philosophical questions raised by reproductive medicine then this is the event for you.
Dr Jonathan Ives will give an overview of a range of current issues in the ethics of reproduction, alongside a broad survey of the kinds of argument often deployed. The talk will highlight the ethical controversy surrounding genetic engineering, mitochondrial DNA transplant, embryo selection and state funding of assisted reproduction. He will also look at the development of and investment in new assisted reproductive techniques such as uterus transplant, definitions of parenthood and the policing of parenthood. He will then consider, in light of these practices, a range of arguments related to their rights and wrongs, including: the right to reproduce, reproductive liberty, ‘playing God’ and arguments about 'naturalness', safety, family privacy and parental rights, and the well-being of the child. The talk will not aim to answer questions or take a particular position, but rather it will aim to generate questions and facilitate discussion.
Dr Jonathan Ives is Reader in Empirical Bioethics and deputy director of the Centre for Ethics in Medicine in the University of Bristol Medical School. Jonathan is a philosopher and social scientist who undertakes research into bioethical issues including reproduction, fatherhood, families, clinical ethics, research ethics and mental health. He teaches medical students as well as supervising PhD and Masters students, and delivers training around the world on bioethics research methodology and research ethics. He is on the medical ethics committees of the Royal College of GPs, and has sat on a wide range of clinical and research ethics committees. His work has been funded by Wellcome Trust, NIHR Department of Health, ESRC, AHRC, National Research Foundation of Korea, Brocher Foundation, amongst others.
There will be refreshments at the event, and a continuation of the discussion in a pub afterwards.
The event is open to anyone with an interest in the topic. There is a requested fee of £3 (£1 unwaged etc) to cover venue hire. It is free to members of Bristol Humanists. You can join on the night if you wish, or beforehand via our website http://bristol.humanist.org.uk/membership/
