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Neither the textual Shi`i sources, i.e. Quran Sunnat, nor Ijma`, directly address these issues. Yet, considering such a rational general fiqhi principle as the basic presumption of liberty, every thing is permissible, unless explicitly otherwise stipulated (Isaaltu al-Ibaahah wa al-Hilyyah), indicates the permissibility of both egg embryo donation.
In a Kantian approach it is presupposed that a sound adult is morally free to make rational decisions and freely implement their wishes. The principle of end" and its fruit, i.e. "the autonomy principle" is therefore fully applicable to sane adults as rational agents. Accordingly all rational adults are morally entitled to determine their own affairs as a fundamental moral right. Denying such a right to them would, therefore, lead to denial of their autonomy and consequently undermine their human dignity as ends. Paternalistic treatment of rational agents, in fact, is in plain contradiction to their human dignity.
The basic presumption of liberty seems to be the logical outcome of the autonomy principle as intuitive reflection of human dignity. The application of liberty principle to the question of egg and embryo donation is be obvious. Rational agents are morally free to decide in both sides, i.e., to receive or donate, be it egg, sperm or embryo. It seems also obvious that cupules in the process of receiving or donating will not treat anyone as merely means, since the embryo is not human being let alone the egg or the sperm.
In this article I will examine the presumption of liberty in Shi`i teachings and its philosophical foundation in comparison with the Kantian principle of autonomy and its fruit the principle of liberty. We will see that both approaches in effect would have relatively similar implication, i.e. the permissibility of egg and embryo donation. It should be, however, noted that Shi`i teachings and Kantian ethics are by nature two different moral systems. A holistic view of both systems is needed to examine properly all relevant aspects of such sensitive issues.
Hujjat al-Islam Arif Abdulhussain, Al-Mahdi Institute.
"Ensoulment--Textual Interpretations."
Shaykh Arif Abdulhussain is a graduate of the Madrassah Seyed al-Khoei and also lectured there before continuing his research in Qum. He is the director of the Al-Mahdi Institute and has also lectured in Qum and at the Islamic College, London.
Dr David J Jones Senior Lecturer in Bioethics School of Theology, Philosophy, and History St Mary's College
TBA
In 2001 I was director of the Linacre Centre and wrote two submissions for the House of Lords Select Committee on Stem Cell Research (chaired by Bishop Harries). The second was an explicitly theological piece that was subsequently endorsed by Archbishop Rowan Williams, Bishop Kalistos Ware (Eastern Orthodox), Cardinal Cahal Daly and others. I also gave oral evidence to the Committee on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church at the same time as the Jewish and Anglican representatives.
Dr Sibtain Panjwani, Al-Mahdi Institute
"Reproductive Legislation: An Aid to the Traditional Family Structure?"
Dr. Panjwani holds a doctorate from the University of Essex and Masters from King's College in Medical Law and Ethics. His research interests are bioethics, social policy and community development.
Claire Foster
'Embryo research: some Christian perspectives'
Policy advisor to the Archbishops' Council of the Church of England in science, medicine, technology and environmental issues. She is also lay canon and deputy director of St Paul's Cathedral institute, an educational arm of the Cathedral. Prior to working for the Church, Claire was a research fellow at the Centre of Medical Law and Ethics, King's College, London, where she specialised in the ethics of medical research on humans.
'Embryo research: some Christian perspectives' will consider the ethical dilemmas around the use of embryos as a means to an end rather than an end in themselves, and offer some Christian insights
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