International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: The subject matter of this study is the obvious lapse of monism and reductionism in Julian Savulescu’s procreative beneficence (PB) theory.It completely supplants human values with transhuman ones while seeing culture and religion as more impediments to scientific progress, and as such inevitably polarizing science from the values of culture and religion with a view to establishing scientific norms as alternatives to those of history, culture and religion.
Objectives: This study seeks an AR of Julian Savulescu’s PB, (which claims one should select the child who is expected to have the best possible life based on the relevant available genetic information) promoting historical, cultural and religious complementarity instead.
Method: Using hermeneutical methodology, the study seeks to achieve its aim through analysis, evaluation and synthesis.
Result: PB theory is carry-over and continuation of positivistic disdain of science against culture and religion.
This study is an Afrocentric reinterpretation of PPB, challenging Western-centric perspectives on reproductive decision-making. This reconceptualization emphasizes communal values, cultural continuity, and holistic well-being over individualistic notions of genetic optimization.
Conclusion: The best possible life will not be attained through genetic-correctness alone, rather through a balanced life that promotes human coexistence based on religious, societal and cultural values. Society (Government) should not be in a haste to authorize the clinical use (trial) of somatic or germline genome editing for purposes other than disease or disability treatment (prevention) rather regulate and monitor.
Key recommendation: It recommends the practice of bio-ethics based on holistic integral human values.