Exercises: Medical, ethical and societal issues
State what the letters IVF stand for and describe in one sentence what the technique involves.
State what the letters IVF stand for and describe in one sentence what the technique involves.
Name two causes of infertility, one in males and one in females.
Name two causes of infertility, one in males and one in females.
Define the term "ethical issue" and give one example from reproductive medicine.
Define the term "ethical issue" and give one example from reproductive medicine.
A couple in Galway are offered IVF. In one cycle, several embryos are created, and one or two are placed in the uterus. a) Describe where fertilisation takes place in…
A couple in Galway are offered IVF. In one cycle, several embryos are created, and one or two are placed in the uterus.
- a) Describe where fertilisation takes place in IVF.
- b) Explain why more than one embryo may be created.
- c) Identify one ethical question about what happens to unused embryos.
In a clinic, the success rate for IVF in women under $35$ is $32\%$. Out of $250$ women under $35$ who started treatment, calculate how many are expected to have a…
In a clinic, the success rate for IVF in women under $35$ is $32\%$. Out of $250$ women under $35$ who started treatment, calculate how many are expected to have a successful pregnancy, and suggest two reasons why the success rate is lower in older women.
Some couples use genetic screening of embryos to avoid passing on a serious inherited disorder such as cystic fibrosis. a) Explain one benefit of such screening. b)…
Some couples use genetic screening of embryos to avoid passing on a serious inherited disorder such as cystic fibrosis.
- a) Explain one benefit of such screening.
- b) Explain one concern about its use.
- c) State who you think should make decisions about the use of these techniques, and justify your answer.
Evaluate the following statement: "Because IVF is expensive, it should only be funded by the State for couples with the best chance of success." Present one argument for…
Evaluate the following statement: "Because IVF is expensive, it should only be funded by the State for couples with the best chance of success." Present one argument for and one argument against, and give your conclusion.
Stem cells from early embryos can develop into many types of cell and may be used to treat diseases. a) Explain why stem cells are useful in medicine. b) Discuss two…
Stem cells from early embryos can develop into many types of cell and may be used to treat diseases.
- a) Explain why stem cells are useful in medicine.
- b) Discuss two ethical issues associated with obtaining stem cells from embryos.
- c) Describe an alternative source of stem cells and explain how it avoids one of these issues.
A new technique allows doctors to edit genes in human embryos to remove a disease-causing allele. a) Describe two potential medical benefits. b) Discuss two ethical or…
A new technique allows doctors to edit genes in human embryos to remove a disease-causing allele.
- a) Describe two potential medical benefits.
- b) Discuss two ethical or societal risks, including the concept of "designer babies".
- c) Explain why scientific evidence alone cannot decide whether a technology should be used.