Christianity: Use of Human Embryos Religious Viewpoint 1 LI: I have learned about Christian views on use of human embryos. I have evaluated Christian views on use of human embryos. Success: I have completed notes on Christian views.

CHRISTIAN Arguments FOR Love Your Neighbour

Bible teaches compassion towards others. This could include medical research if it can provide cures for disease. Jesus taught that Christians should do all they can to cure diseases Golden Rule- ‘do to others as you have done to yourself’ Therefore, some Church of Scotland Christians accept research up to 14 days. – Must be licensed, regulated and monitored.

Status of Embryo Embryo human from primitive streak (14days) IVF permitted Embryo to be respected – comply with 14 day rule. Therefore no embryo to be created for research alone. Spare embryos can be used if used for the right purposes. Potential human being for first 14 days – not an actual human being.

Strengths Allows for research Recognises the rights of the embryo but still permits limited use. Contradictory - happy to use advances from embryo research but don’t approve of it. Fails to recognise the contribution of embryo research to understand human physiology. Weaknesses

Christian Arguments AGAINST Sanctity of Life Against Christian teachings

Sanctity of Life – Life is a gift from God – Not to play God- only God can give and take away life. – Life is sacred Taking interference with nature too far Children produced through IVF is unnatural and not what God intended Using human embryos is murder – therefore against the 10 commandments ‘thou shall not kill’.

Humans are created with God’s plan in mind, not the scientist’s plan. Our responsibility from God is to care for nature (be stewards) not to try and rule and manipulate it God is in control, using embryos is an attempt to undermine God’s role in creation. The uniqueness and dignity of the individual is lost through genetic selection.

Status of Embryo Embryo is a human from conception Sanctity of life – only God gives life, therefore only God takes life. No IVF should be permitted. No embryo research permitted Embryos have full human rights Embryo’s life is willed by God because they are created by God. No PGD or PGS because this is playing God

Strengths Protects human life Clear cut and simple to understand – the embryo is human! Has not moved with the times Denies childless couples children Denies society the opportunity to be free from debilitating diseases Weaknesses