Religion and Ethics at the Frontier of Medicine

Much of the medical work being done today would have been considered science fiction one hundred years ago. In 1914, we had no penicillin and a diagnosis of diabetics was certain death. Today the ability to change appearances, halt diseases, and delay death has become nearly commonplace in many developed countries, and the boundaries are pushing into realms of transhumanism and the indefinite prolongation of life. Today's science fiction may become tomorrow's medical discoveries. To what end?

From cosmetic surgery to family planning, advances in technology and medicine have created unprecedented opportunity for modifying how our bodies look, function, and reproduce. At every stage of life from birth until death, procedures are available to prolong life, combat illness, and change appearance or sex. To what extent should medical technologies be allowed to shape human life according to our desires? What ethical concerns and guidelines do religious traditions bring to the new frontiers of medicine

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