The Case Against the Case for Procreative Beneficence (PB)

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Reproductive Ethics
• Moral Philosophy

Background:

• The principle of procreative beneficence (PB) posits a moral obligation for prospective parents to select the child with the best prospects for a good life.
• This principle has generated significant debate within bioethics and reproductive ethics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate Julian Savulescu's principle of procreative beneficence (PB).
• To assess the operationalizability and justification of PB across diverse conceptions of a "good life".

Main Methods:

• Philosophical analysis of the principle of procreative beneficence.
• Examination of the assumptions underlying PB's justification.
• Exploration of potential implications and uncertainties of adopting PB.

Main Results:

• PB is contingent on a specific, potentially narrow, conception of the good life.
• Alternative conceptions of the good life do not readily support PB's operationalization.
• Six flaws are identified in justifications linking PB to maximizing well-being.

Conclusions:

• The principle of procreative beneficence (PB) is not demonstrably untenable.
• Currently, there is insufficient compelling justification for adhering to the principle of procreative beneficence.