Applying the Open Future Argument to the Pre-implantation Embryo
Michelle de Souza1, University of New England 1University of New England
Abstract
Joel Feinberg’s Open Future argument suggests that parents should provide their children with an open future. According to Feinberg, a child has a right to an open future and thus parents should ensure that they do not act in a way that closes-off key options that the child may wish to pursue once they become an adult.
This presentation explores the application of the open future argument to embryos. It first outlines the open future argument and the limits of the concept of an open future. It then asks if the open future argument can be applied to embryos. If it is possible to apply the open future argument to embryos, what impact should this have on the development of the law in the context of preimplantation genetic testing? The paper concludes that applying the open future argument to embryos imposes significant moral obligations on prospective parents. It is thus important to be very clear about the scope of what is required in order to provide a child with an open future.
Biography
Dr Michelle de Souza is a lecturer at the School of Law at the University of New England, Armidale. Michelle’s research interests are health law, bioethics and comparative healthcare law, with a particular focus on the beginning of life.