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  • Title: [Ethical problems at the beginning of human life].
    Author: Eid V.
    Journal: Z Arztl Fortbild (Jena); 1993 Nov 01; 87(10-11):788-96. PubMed ID: 8303917.
    Abstract:
    The question of when human life begins can be answered in an elementary way: with the union of egg and sperm cells, because this process is the precondition to the development of human life. This would be a comfortable pronouncement if there were no conflict-laden medical-ethical, penal, and sociopolitical interests associated with the question. The hypothesis that unilaterally answers the question of the beginning of human life based on a clear ethical and legal creed regarding the duty of protection of human life from the beginning in the prenatal phase has been found incorrect. Regarding the moral and ethical aspects of social function in a pluralistic society, meaning, understanding, and values are discussed with respect to experiences and opportunities in life to evaluate the meaning of healthy sexuality and partnership in parallel with work, the economy, the environment, and their bearing on pregnancy conflicts. Another issue is the living world, plausibilities, and ethical as well as moral discourse. Socialization means the introduction into a living environment, without which the human being is unable to communicate or have its identity. This is a cultural and structural reality that has its values affecting conflict of pregnancy. Liberal attitudes, moral consciousness, and the penal code also have a weighty role with solidarity, tolerance, and overcoming conflicts without force entering into the picture. The discussion of the German Parliament about Section 218 of the abortion law extensively dealt with the right to self-determination of women but hardly any talk about the duty to respect the right of potential human being. Regarding the conflicts of pregnancy, the duty to protect human life is a moral stance derived from theological ethics stating the unwavering support of life right from fertilization when the soul enters it. In a Christian view the regulations under Section 218 are tolerable because in a pluralistic society compromises have to be accepted.
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