Brave New Love: The Threat of High-Tech "Conversion" Therapy and the Bio-Oppression of Sexual Minorities

Overview

Journal AJOB Neurosci

Specialty Medical Ethics

Date 2014 Mar 4

PMID 24587962

Citations 6

Authors

Brian D Earp

Anders Sandberg

Julian Savulescu

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Our understanding of the neurochemical bases of human love and attachment, as well as of the genetic, epigenetic, hormonal, and experiential factors that conspire to shape an individual's sexual orientation, is increasing exponentially. This research raises the vexing possibility that we may one day be equipped to modify such variables directly, allowing for the creation of "high-tech" conversion therapies or other suspect interventions. In this article, we discuss the ethics surrounding such a possibility, and call for the development of legal and procedural safeguards for protecting vulnerable children from the application of such technology. We also consider the more difficult case of voluntary, adult "conversion" and argue that in rare cases, such attempts might be permissible under strict conditions.

Citing Articles

Enhancing Gender.

Zohny H, Earp B, Savulescu J J Bioeth Inq. 2022; 19(2):225-237.

PMID: 35129785 PMC: 9233637. DOI: 10.1007/s11673-021-10163-7.

Sexual identity or religious freedom: could conversion therapy ever be morally permissible in limited urgent situations?.

Bradfield O Monash Bioeth Rev. 2021; 39(1):51-59.

PMID: 34283383 PMC: 8321984. DOI: 10.1007/s40592-021-00132-6.

Addicted to love: What is love addiction and when should it be treated?.

Earp B, Wudarczyk O, Foddy B, Savulescu J Philos Psychiatr Psychol. 2017; 24(1):77-92.

PMID: 28381923 PMC: 5378292. DOI: 10.1353/ppp.2017.0011.

The medicalization of love.

Earp B, Sandberg A, Savulescu J Camb Q Healthc Ethics. 2014; 24(3):323-36.

PMID: 24937632 PMC: 4712680. DOI: 10.1017/S0963180114000206.

When is diminishment a form of enhancement? Rethinking the enhancement debate in biomedical ethics.

Earp B, Sandberg A, Kahane G, Savulescu J Front Syst Neurosci. 2014; 8:12.

PMID: 24550792 PMC: 3912453. DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2014.00012.

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