Law at the Frontiers of Biomedicine: Creating, Enhancing and Extending Human Life

This book explores the ethical and legal implications of emerging biomedicine technologies, such as embryo editing, artificial wombs, and brain implants. It proposes a contextual legal idealism approach to regulation that emphasizes moral reasoning and contextual constraints. The book provides examples of how this approach could be applied to these technologies using hypothetical UK Parliamentary Bills and appeal court judgments. It is of interest to scholars and students of medical/health law, criminal law, bioethics, biolaw, legal theory, and moral philosophy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 26 January 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Biomedical advancements are rapidly transforming our understanding of health and disease, raising a host of complex legal and ethical challenges. Judges and legislators must navigate these challenges with careful consideration to ensure that the advancements are used in a responsible and ethical manner.

One of the most significant challenges at the forefront of biomedicine is the development of heritable genome editing technologies. These technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, allow scientists to modify the DNA of embryos, potentially enhancing traits such as intelligence or physical abilities. While this technology has the potential to revolutionize medicine and improve human health, it also raises concerns about the potential for genetic discrimination and the alteration of human nature.

Another challenge is the use of cybernetic biohacking, which involves the modification of the human body through the use of technology. This can include the implantation of brain implants or other devices to enhance cognitive abilities or physical abilities. However, there are concerns about the safety and efficacy of these devices, as well as the potential for them to be used for unethical purposes, such as surveillance or control.

In addition to these challenges, there are also developments in ectogestation and cryonic reanimation, which involve the gestation of embryos in artificial wombs or the preservation of human bodies in cryogenic conditions for future resuscitation. These technologies raise questions about the nature of human life and the ethical implications of prolonging human existence beyond its natural lifespan.

To address these challenges, judges and legislators must engage in careful moral reasoning and consider the contextual constraints of their decisions. This means that they must consider the potential risks and benefits of these technologies, as well as the ethical implications of their use. They must also be aware of the potential for these technologies to be used for unethical purposes and take steps to prevent such uses.

One approach to addressing these challenges is through the development of new laws and regulations that govern the use of these technologies. This can include laws that prohibit genetic discrimination, regulate the use of cybernetic biohacking devices, and establish guidelines for ectogestation and cryonic reanimation. However, it is important to note that the development of new laws and regulations can be complex and challenging, and that there may be trade-offs between the protection of individual rights and the advancement of scientific research.

Another approach is to encourage ethical and responsible research and development in biomedicine. This can include funding research that is aimed at improving human health and well-being, as well as establishing guidelines and standards for the conduct of research. It can also involve engaging in public discourse and education about the ethical and legal implications of these technologies to ensure that the public is aware of the potential risks and benefits of these advancements.

In conclusion, the development of heritable genome editing technologies, cybernetic biohacking, ectogestation, and cryonic reanimation are just a few of the complex legal and ethical challenges at the forefront of biomedicine. Judges and legislators must navigate these challenges with careful consideration to ensure that the advancements are used in a responsible and ethical manner. This requires engaging in careful moral reasoning and considering the contextual constraints of their decisions, as well as encouraging ethical and responsible research and development in biomedicine. By doing so, we can ensure that the benefits of these advancements are maximized while minimizing the potential risks and ethical implications.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509941070