IndexUnderstanding the ethical issue of eugenicsApplication of ethical principles to the debate on eugenicsPrinciple of autonomyPrinciple of beneficencePros and cons of eugenicsPro to eugenicsAgainst eugenicsContrasts in opinions and conclusionsThe term and the Concept of eugenics was introduced into our society dating back to the year 1883, by Francis Galton, Darwin's cousin (Harvard Law Review, 2004). Since that year, throughout history and up to the present day, the study and debate over eugenics has taken many forms, but the controversies, as society has developed a better understanding of its concept, have grown in proportions epic. Today we are subject to constant debates about the pros and cons of eugenics and its study and use in healthcare today. In the following pages we will discuss the definition and application of eugenics, and how eugenics has developed the debate regarding the pros and cons of its use in healthcare, and how these debates have challenged ethics in many ways of healthcare and its professionals. .Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay To first understand the ethical debate surrounding eugenics, you need to understand the definition of eugenics and how it is perceived in our current society compared to how it was originally viewed on its conception. The theory of eugenics and the term eugenics date back to 1883. Eugenics is defined as the science used to control and discourage reproduction among those who were considered "undesirable" in society. This was encouraged to reduce the number of such “undesirables” present in society, based on genetic defects or undesirable traits (Genetics Generation, n.d.). This concept has stimulated national and international debates within the ethics of the healthcare system, and society in general. In a society where we want everyone to feel that they have equal rights and receive fair and just treatment, it is not surprising that the idea of ​​trying to control reproduction to avoid the growth of genetic defects and the further spread of problems that are past from generation to generation. The concept of eugenics does not fit the mold that allows everyone to have equal opportunities and be considered equal to those who make up society. Understanding the Ethical Issue of Eugenics The ethical debate over eugenics begins first with a full understanding of eugenics, and reasoning that many have viewed it as a success, yet just as many have viewed it as a failure and immoral. The Oxford Dictionary officially defines eugenics as “the science of improving the human (principally human) population for desirable characteristics” (Suckling, 2000). By keeping this definition at the forefront it is no wonder that the ethical debate begins. For those primarily in the medical and scientific fields, this science allows the healthcare industry to further develop the understanding of inherent traits as to how to control them genetically and thus control “reproduction” in the human race. On the other hand, public opinion, focused on religious groups, has developed the ethical debate whether mankind should control genetic results and interfere in the process of what God must control. This controversial debate on eugenics begins. Applying Ethical Principles to the Eugenics Debate When having an ethical discussion regarding an issue, there are several principles associated with that of ethics and its application in the healthcare field. In the case of eugenicsone of the most relevant ethical principles that can be applied to the debate on eugenics is that of autonomy and beneficence. In the case of eugenics these two principles can easily be applied and debated between those who support and those who argue against eugenics. The principle of autonomy in ethics refers to the “personal self-rule” (Baillie, 2013). The principle of beneficence is defined as “action performed for the benefit of others” (Baillie, 2013). When looking at these two principles side by side, they can both be used in the debate over eugenics and how proponents, and those against the practice, relate these principles as the ethical stance debate gets underway. Autonomy Principle Debates surround autonomy The principle allows the healthcare sector that those who wish to undergo the science of eugenics and enable the elimination of "undesirables" from society can be applied when, for example, a family, an individual, etc. and help alleviate stress and related problems To oneself when applying to reproduction in a family, for example, who may have a genetic defect passed down and there would help eliminate further occurrences of these problems for oneself in one's family. Principle of Beneficence Apply the Principle of Beneficence in your family Debate about eugenics and how the use of eugenics, through for example the selection of embryos, benefits others. This area would take the concept of beneficence and apply it to the fact that the use of eugenics is beneficial to others and therefore is completely ethical and should not be questioned. This approach, for example from a medical point of view, may lead one to believe that embryo selection, genetic modification, etc. either to the benefit of society when it can lead to fewer congenital defects, or that a couple can genetically carry out an embryo selection for a particular gender of child. , or to work on eliminating some defects. While as humans we would welcome a reduction in birth defects and would like everyone to be happy with society and those in it, there is debate that by doing so and using eugenics we are taking on work that is "God's work to be done" in our hands and therefore ethically wrong. Pros and Cons of Eugenics Eugenics has many supporters, and just as many who do not support the practice or the concept and idea in any way. Reviewing the pros and cons regarding eugenics is not a cut and dry process and many of these pros and cons can be seen in many ways when we take into consideration the perspective of the person reviewing the concept as well as his or her point of view in many different aspects that must be incorporated into the scientific process of eugenics. When discussing ethics in any way, the goal is to achieve an understanding of the moral issues involved in the matter and how morally this may affect those involved (Buchanan, 2007). Pros of Eugenics One of the most popular arguments when reviewing with society is the feeling that a "pro" of eugenics is that the possible engineering of a child's genetic composition offers the possibility of preventing negative hereditary conditions. This would reduce the population of children who have mental and/or physical problems and deformities caused by genetic problems. If a family has a history of a genetic disease that has been passed down over the years, this would allow for a break in this cycle during reproduction. Often debated, but a "pro" of many who look to eugenics, is the ability to control the sex of theiroffspring. Often families using IVF may be subjected to this process due to the inability to conceive with traditional methods or the ability to not conceive without this assistance. This allows them to control the sex of their offspring to their liking, knowing that this may be the only option. There are opposing views on this, but it is considered a "pro" of eugenics by those who support this process. In the world of medicine, where we are always looking for medical progress, eugenics is seen as a path towards this. Although eugenics is far from perfect and is still an area that requires further research to achieve 100% accurate and effective results, the medical community, in the form of doctors and researchers, believes that this is a technological avenue and the science that is a “pro” to be able to make further progress in medical research and innovation (Weinhart, 1999). Cons of EugenicsThe “cons” of eugenics are often the ones that are expressed most openly in today's society, and take on the meaning of a strong stance by many in the community. In many situations people always seem to give more voice to the negatives than the positives, and eugenics has proven to be no different. The “cons” have a significant basis and need broad consideration when evaluating the ethics of eugenics, but they must be addressed in such a way that they are based on credible and factual research and not just personal opinion. A real “con” of eugenics is the cost associated with it. Many times, this may not be considered in the ethical evaluation, but it is “right” or “ethical” if it is not convenient and accessible due to costs for everyone. We come across this type of debate with many topics that need ethical consideration, but it definitely applies to this type of procedure and creates a wide gap between those who can and cannot afford this type of help. discussed is the thought that eugenics creates discrimination in a world where we are trying to eliminate discrimination and make everyone feel equal in our society. For those who could be “engineered,” this would make them superior to those who are not. This allows us to have a way to create another divide in society and how those who are “engineered” through genetics would be accepted into society or a group of their peers. Along the same lines we are limiting or eliminating diversity in our culture by designing “acceptable” traits. Isn't diversity one of the qualities our society boasts? Eugenics originated in the world of the Nazis and many have not let go of this ideology and history when they see the ethics of eugenics. Although eugenics is developed with the best scientific beliefs about what they believe they can control and help create a better society, this ideology threatens many beliefs when it comes to eugenics, and is an area that can easily be influenced by opinion personal rather than factual. A final “con” is that while Eugenics has all the right intentions in making the world a better place, when we look at the science and how Eugenics genetically influences the gene pool and composition, we are therefore limiting the pool genetic and encouraging new genetics? issues that have not yet been addressed at this point. Repeatedly eliminating genetic disorders limits the gene pool and can be compared to those problems that arise with animals and to serious disorders in “extreme purebreds” (Weingart, 1999). This has repercussions on the concerns that many scientific methods place on the possibility of solving a problem, but.