Navigating ethical dilemmas in reproductive tech

Navigating ethical dilemmas in reproductive tech

Navigating ethical dilemmas in reproductive tech
Artificial womb illustration by Shutterstock
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In the bustling city of Techville, where neon lights flicker with binary code and robots hum lullabies, a new spectacle has rolled into town, promising to be the talk of the century. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to “The Great AI Ethical Circus.”

Today’s performance? The enthralling debate on artificial intelligence, ethics and the peculiar case of human reproduction bias, all seen through the lens of the dystopian dramedy, “The Pod Generation.”

Ah, Techville — a city where your barista might be a bit too literal when you ask for “strong coffee” and your self-driving car might occasionally detour to show you the scenic route, purely out of affection. This is the backdrop against which our drama unfolds.

Act I: The All-Knowing Pod

Imagine a world where the miracle of childbirth is no longer bound by biology. Enter “The Pod Generation,” a film worth watching, where artificial wombs (or pods) can be rented, allowing parents to continue their busy lives while their offspring gestate in sleek, transparent orbs. As if we did not already have enough to juggle with our Roombas and their spontaneous cleaning sprees.

On the surface, this seems like the epitome of convenience. No more morning sickness, no stretch marks and no labor pains. Just a quick swipe of the credit card and, nine months later, voila. Your baby is ready to pick up. But beneath this shiny veneer lies a nest of ethical conundrums, as tangled as a poorly coded algorithm.

The Pros: Efficiency and Equality

In Techville, where time is as precious as the latest smartphone model, the pod system promises unparalleled efficiency. Imagine balancing a high-powered career with family life, free from the physical constraints of pregnancy. Women can shatter the glass ceiling without worrying about their biological clocks ticking away. The playing field, it seems, is leveled.

From an ethical standpoint, the pods could democratize reproduction. Individuals with infertility issues or those with health risks can now experience the joys of parenthood without the barriers posed by traditional gestation. In a world obsessed with equality and inclusivity, this seems like a step in the right direction.

The Cons: Nature vs. Nurture

But hold your applause, dear audience. The plot thickens. The pods, much like any AI, are only as good as their programming — and therein lies the rub. AI, for all its promise, is not immune to bias. Reproductive technologies, influenced by the data and preferences they are fed, could inadvertently perpetuate societal biases.

Take, for example, the algorithms determining the optimal genetic traits. Who decides what is “optimal?” Do we risk sliding down the slippery slope of eugenics, crafting a generation of designer babies based on superficial ideals? Philosopher John Stuart Mill once warned: “Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.” If we are not vigilant, our silent acquiescence could lead us down a dark path.

Reproductive technologies, influenced by the data and preferences they are fed, could inadvertently perpetuate societal biases.

Rafael Hernandez de Santiago

Reproduction Bias: The Elephant in the Room

Let us address the elephant in the room — reproduction bias. AI systems trained on historical data often inherit the prejudices embedded within that data. In Techville, a city that prides itself on technological prowess, the repercussions of such biases are especially concerning.

Imagine a pod system that, based on skewed data, favors certain genetic traits over others. This could exacerbate existing social inequalities, creating a society where diversity is sacrificed at the altar of artificial “perfection.” Philosopher Immanuel Kant reminded us: “Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of another, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means.” In our quest for convenience, are we at risk of treating human life as a mere product?

Act II: The Human Touch

Despite the marvels of AI, there is an irreplaceable value in the human touch. Pregnancy, with all its trials and tribulations, fosters a unique bond between mother and child. It is a connection that no sterile pod, however advanced, can replicate. Aristotle wisely noted: “The aim of the wise is not to secure pleasure, but to avoid pain.” Perhaps it is through these natural processes, painful as they may be, that the essence of humanity is truly preserved.

The Curtain Call: A Balancing Act

As the curtain falls on our ethical circus, it becomes clear that the integration of AI into human reproduction is a balancing act, teetering between the utopian and the dystopian. In Techville, where technology and humanity dance a delicate waltz, the key lies in vigilance, empathy and ethical foresight.

The future, much like the latest tech gadget, is full of promise and peril. It is up to us, the citizens of Techville, to navigate this brave new world with wisdom and caution. For, as philosopher Soren Kierkegaard aptly put it: “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” Let us hope that in our forward march, we do not lose sight of the humanity that makes life worth living.

And so, dear readers, as you sip your AI-brewed coffee and contemplate the marvels of “The Pod Generation,” remember: In the grand circus of AI ethics, we are all both the ringmasters and the clowns. Choose your role wisely.

Rafael Hernandez de Santiago, viscount of Espes, is a Spanish national residing in Saudi Arabia and working at the Gulf Research Center.

 

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

Saudi Arabia's Ma’aden proceeds with $10bn capital raise to boost phosphate stake

Saudi Arabia's Ma’aden proceeds with $10bn capital raise to boost phosphate stake
Updated 27 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia's Ma’aden proceeds with $10bn capital raise to boost phosphate stake

Saudi Arabia's Ma’aden proceeds with $10bn capital raise to boost phosphate stake
  • Ma’aden said its shareholders will convene virtually on Dec. 11 to approve the capital increase
  • Plan includes issuing 111 million new ordinary shares valued at SR10 each

RIYADH: Saudi Arabian Mining Co., or Ma’aden, has issued a shareholder circular outlining the terms of its plan to raise its share capital to SR38.03 billion ($10.1 billion) from SR36.92 billion to boost its phosphate business. 

The move follows an earlier announcement to acquire a 25 percent stake in Ma’aden Wa’ad Al-Shamal Phosphate Co. from Mosaic Phosphates B.V., increasing its ownership in the joint venture to 85 percent. 

In April, Ma’aden announced the signing of an agreement to acquire 210.93 million shares owned by Mosaic Co. and its subsidiary, Mosaic Phosphates B.V. Regulatory approval for the transaction was granted in November by the Capital Market Authority.

In a bourse filing, Ma’aden said its shareholders will convene virtually on Dec. 11 to approve the capital increase. The plan includes issuing 111 million new ordinary shares valued at SR10 each, representing a 3.01 percent rise in the company’s share capital. 

In exchange, Mosaic Phosphates will transfer its MWSPC stake to Ma’aden, aligning with the Saudi firm’s strategic expansion in the phosphate sector. 

MWSPC, established in 2014 and based in Turaif, is a joint venture between Ma’aden, Mosaic Co., and Saudi Basic Industries Corp. Following the transaction, SABIC will retain its 15 percent stake while Ma’aden strengthens its position as a global phosphate leader. 

Mosaic Netherlands Holding Co., a subsidiary of Mosaic Co., will receive the newly issued shares, which will be subject to a three-year lock-up period. Limited transfers will begin in the fourth year, with full tradability by the fifth year, the circular said. 

The acquisition will enhance Ma’aden’s control over MWSPC, recognized as a low-cost, large-scale phosphate producer. It will also grant Ma’aden access to Mosaic’s marketing rights, a component of the deal’s valuation at SR5.62 billion. 

Ma’aden expects increased earnings per share following the transaction, reflecting anticipated synergies and enhanced operational efficiencies, according to the document. 

The company assured shareholders that all regulatory approvals for the transaction have been secured, with a detailed timeline for procedural steps provided in the circular. 

The move underscores Ma’aden’s commitment to driving value creation in the Kingdom’s mining sector, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and develop industrial capabilities. 

In the first half of this year, Ma’aden achieved a net profit of SR2 billion, marking a 160 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. 

The surge in profitability was driven by several key factors. A major contributor to this financial success was the significant boost in sales volume, according to a Tadawul statement. 

The company’s robust performance in primary aluminum and gold sales played a crucial role in driving up revenues. Ma’aden also benefited from reductions in raw material costs and lower depreciation expenses, which further enhanced its profitability. 

Ma’aden’s performance and strategic advancements underscore its commitment to leading the mining sector and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification goals, particularly in developing mining as a critical pillar of the Kingdom’s industry. 


Saudi mission in Pakistan condemns militant attack that killed 12 soldiers this week

Saudi mission in Pakistan condemns militant attack that killed 12 soldiers this week
Updated 7 min 4 sec ago
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Saudi mission in Pakistan condemns militant attack that killed 12 soldiers this week

Saudi mission in Pakistan condemns militant attack that killed 12 soldiers this week
  • The embassy extends condolences to victims’ families and the Pakistani people in a statement
  • The statement reiterates the kingdom’s position ‘rejecting all forms of violence and terrorism’

ISLAMABAD: The Saudi embassy in Pakistan on Thursday condemned a militant attack on a joint security checkpoint in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that killed 10 army soldiers and two Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel, extending condolences to the victims’ families and the Pakistani people.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, targeted a joint army and paramilitary check post in the Mali Khel area of Bannu District, where militants detonated an explosive-laden vehicle after troops repelled their attempt to storm the post, according to the Pakistan military. Six militants were killed during the exchange of gunfire that followed.
“The Embassy expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of the attack on a joint checkpoint in the city of Bannu in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, which resulted in the death and injury of a number of people,” the Saudi diplomatic mission in Islamabad said in a statement.
“The Embassy reiterates the Kingdom’s position rejecting all forms of violence and terrorism,” it added. “The Embassy extends its deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the families of the victims, the government and the people of Pakistan, and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.”
Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has experienced a resurgence of militant violence in recent months, with a growing number of attacks on security forces and infrastructure despite the country’s efforts to combat militancy.
The region has long been a hotspot for insurgent activity, with militants frequently targeting military and paramilitary personnel.
Saudi Arabia has consistently expressed its support for Pakistan’s fight against extremist violence, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation to tackle militancy and ensure regional stability.


Displaced by war, cancer patients in Lebanon struggle for survival

Displaced by war, cancer patients in Lebanon struggle for survival
Updated 29 min 38 sec ago
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Displaced by war, cancer patients in Lebanon struggle for survival

Displaced by war, cancer patients in Lebanon struggle for survival

BEIRUT: Lebanese small business owner Ahmad Fahess thought nothing could be more devastating than his cancer diagnosis until suddenly, while he was at work one day, Israeli airstrikes started targeting his town of Nabatieh in south Lebanon.
When he saw the tangled mess around him, he knew he had to grab his family and flee.
“We want to go back to our homes, to our work,” he said, breaking into tears as he received cancer treatment at the American University of Beirut’s Medical Center (AUBMC), his sister sitting next to his bed.
Israel launched a broad attack on southern Lebanon in September, almost a year after Iran-backed Hezbollah militants there stepped up their rocket fire on northern Israel as Israeli forces fought Hamas gunmen who had attacked Israel from Gaza.
Washington is trying to broker a ceasefire but Israel says it must be able to continue defending itself. It says Hezbollah uses civilians as human shields, something the militants deny.
A father of two teenagers who owned four welding shops in Nabatieh, Fahess is now not only unsure when he will be able to go home, but also how long he will be able to access treatment for the rare cancer, sarcoma, which affects the connective tissue in his left arm.
“I used to come three days to Beirut for treatment and go back home,” he said. “Now with the war, we were displaced, and the treatment struggle started.”
Thousands of cancer patients are among more than a million people who have fled their homes.
“It all happened very quickly. We were at work when the shelling started; we were surprised by it,” he said. He fled with his family to Antelias in Mount Lebanon with only $4,500 that quickly dwindled.
Fahess now depends on the hospital’s Cancer Support Fund, a charity initiative launched in 2018 to assist cancer patients and now also giving extra support to displaced individuals.
“The treatment is costly; if the hospital didn’t help me, I couldn’t have afforded it,” he said.
But he is worried about funding drying up. “If we have to pay and we’re back at our homes, it would be fine, but if we are still displaced, it’ll be impossible,” he said.
Lebanon’s health ministry said more than 2,500 displaced cancer patients have been forced to find new treatment centers, as at least eight hospitals in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs were out of action due to Israeli shelling.
Cancer was already expensive to treat under Lebanon’s health care system, which in recent years has been battered further by economic crisis.
It is now under severe strain, said Ali Taher, the director of the Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute at AUBMC, adding that treating displaced patients has brought new complications, including finding their missing medical records and doctors.
“It’s also difficult to get cancer screening ahead of time because it’s no longer a priority for people,” Taher said.
Ghazaleh Naddaf, 67, was displaced from the southern village of Debel. Now living with her brother in Beirut, the former pharmacist assistant lost her job and has been unable to afford her therapy for multiple myeloma for two months.
“I am skipping treatment and medication,” she said. “I used to come twice a week for treatment, paying over $1,000. I can’t afford it anymore,” adding that she also needs a bone marrow transplant costing $50,000, an expense far beyond her reach.
“It’s war, and there is no safety, and I still need to go through the treatment to get on with my life,” she said.
Hala Dahdah Abou Jaber, co-founder of the Cancer Support Fund, said displaced cancer patients have to choose between basic necessities and life-threatening therapies and many can no longer co-pay for their treatment.
“Cancer doesn’t wait. Cancer is not a disease that gives you time; it’s harsh,” she said.


Iran president visits Sistan-Baluchistan after deadly attack

Iran president visits Sistan-Baluchistan after deadly attack
Updated 37 min 1 sec ago
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Iran president visits Sistan-Baluchistan after deadly attack

Iran president visits Sistan-Baluchistan after deadly attack

TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in the restive southeast of Iran on Thursday for a visit to Sistan-Baluchistan province, state media reported, nearly a month after one of the deadliest ever attacks in the region.
Sistan-Baluchistan, located some 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) from the capital Tehran, shares a long border with Pakistan and Afghanistan and has experienced recurring clashes between Iranian security forces and rebels from the Baluch minority, radical Sunni groups and drug traffickers.
On October 26, ten police officers were killed in what the authorities described as a “terrorist” attack.
Pezeshkian arrived at the airport in the regional capital Zahedan for a one-day visit during which he was set to meet the families of the dead police officers, state television reported.
Since the October 26 attack, Iranian forces have launched a vast counterterrorism operation in Sistan-Baluchistan that is ongoing, during which at least 26 militants have been killed and around fifty people arrested, according to the authorities.
The Sunni jihadist group Jaish Al-Adl — Army of Justice in Arabic — based in Pakistan and active in southeastern Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack in a message on Telegram.
The Iranian president is also scheduled to visit the Chabahar Free Trade-Industrial Zone, a major project aimed at developing southern Iran.
Chabahar Port, which bypasses the heavy traffic of the Strait of Hormuz, is aimed at attracting businesses from nearby Pakistan, India, the Gulf and China among others.
Chabahar, located on the edge of the Indian Ocean, was exempted by Washington from the economic sanctions it unilaterally reimposed after withdrawing from a landmark nuclear agreement.
Sistan-Baluchistan, one of the most impoverished provinces in the country, is home to a large number of the Baluch minority, an ethnic group spread between Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan which practices Sunni Islam in contrast to the country’s predominantly Shiite population.


Imran Khan remanded to police for five days in case involving violence at Rawalpindi rally 

Imran Khan remanded to police for five days in case involving violence at Rawalpindi rally 
Updated 43 min 31 sec ago
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Imran Khan remanded to police for five days in case involving violence at Rawalpindi rally 

Imran Khan remanded to police for five days in case involving violence at Rawalpindi rally 
  • Main charges include terrorism, vandalism, destruction of property, attempted murder 
  • Khan, jailed since August 2023, claims all charges against him are politically motivated

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani lower court has remanded former prime minister Imran Khan to Rawalpindi police for interrogation for five days in a case pertaining to violence at a rally organized by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in September, the party said on Thursday.

Khan was arrested in the rally case on Wednesday night, hours after the Islamabad High Court had granted him bail in another case that has popularly come to be called the new Toshakhana case, filed in July and involving a jewelry set worth over €380,000 gifted to the former first lady by a foreign dignitary when Khan was prime minister from 2018-2022. The couple was accused of undervaluing the gift and buying it at a lesser price from the state repository. Both deny wrongdoing. 

Khan has been in jail since August last year following his conviction in four cases, two of which have been suspended, including an original one relating to state gifts, and he was acquitted in the rest.

“An anti-terrorism court granted a five-day physical remand to Rawalpindi police in the first information report (FIR) registered on Sep. 28,” the PTI party said in a statement. “The FIR surfaced last night and Rawalpindi police declared the arrest shortly afterwards.”

The PTI party added that arresting a suspect in a case registered in September right after he was granted bail in another case was an “absolute mockery of the law.”

The police report of the case lists terrorism, attempted murder, vandalism, destruction of public and state property, and interference in government operations as the main charges. It says participants of the PTI rally created unrest, obstructed public access by burning tires and caused difficulties for citizens.

It also charged PTI leaders and supporters with raising anti-government slogans, hurling stones at the police and attacking them with iron rods during the protest. PTI rallygoers damaged several police vehicles and one police officer was injured, the report adds.

Khan was in prison when the Sept. 28 rally took place. The former premier denies any wrongdoing and alleges all the cases registered against him since he was removed from power in 2022 were politically motivated to keep him in jail.

His PTI party is staging a “long march” to the capital city, Islamabad, on Nov. 24, aiming to pressurise the government to release him.