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Stem Cell Research Ethical Issues

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Stem Cell Research and its Ethical Issues

Katherine Whites article, Stem Cells 201: An Overview of the Ethics of Stem Cell Research (2005), highlights some of the fundamental ethical issues and benefits surrounding this innovative research. Stem cell research, since its inception, has been the center of much debate in the scientific and theological community. In the theological and philosophical sphere, the question of whether or not the embryo is a human being, and inherently carries the weight and right of personhood dominates the discussion. Is the embryo a person? In the scientific community, how can embryonic stem cells be harvested in a manner that respects and gives dignity to the human life form, but also allows for an efficient and …show more content…

Some religious members contend that the essential nature of the humanity cannot be separated from the embryo, as in nature it is human, and therefore is entitled to the same rights and protections as an adult human being. Even within the religious community though, there is dissension of opinion on this ethical issue. Some denominations view the embryo as human in essence from conception, while others view the embryo as only human at a specific stage in its development; a graduated view, using some developmental milestone or marker to identify its becoming human and achieving personhood. As this discussion unfolds, the nature of the embryo is defined, then a question as to what is ethical treatment of the embryo involves just as much scrutiny and …show more content…

Based on these philosophical paradigms, the differing views such as ethical acquisition, research, and treatment of embryonic stem cells make their stake. Probably the most controversial question is, how are these stem cells harvested? At current embryonic stem cells are harvested from an embryo which has been fertilized by sperm through in vitro fertilization (IVF), or by a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer, whereby the nucleus of a somatic cell is implanted in an donor egg and tricked into thinking it is fertilized, then embryo is cultured and the inner mass of cells is harvested, effectively destroying the embryo. There lies the problem. The destruction of the embryo is viewed by some as the equivalent of murder. Others will contend that an embryo that might have otherwise been destroyed anyway, is helping in the process of eliminating the suffering of a person alive now, and therefore a dignified and necessary means to an end; that the end in itself, justifies the mean.

Another source of controversy is the question of what sources of embryos are appropriate or ethical? This one is interesting, because it does raise quite valid concerns about the nature of the individuals involved and how they stands to benefit greatly from the research monetarily, while those who need the treatments most, might benefit less because of the cost of

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John Paul II, it states, Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves ‘the creative action of God’, and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can, in any circumstance, claim for himself the right to destroy directly an innocent human being In embryonic stem cell research, scientists take on a role that is not theirs; that role being God. God himself has the only right on whether or not to destroy an innocent human being and this includes an embryo. No scientist has the right to destroy a human life even if the human life is still an embryo.

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Ethics Due to the fact Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC) are obtained from early stage embryos-a group of cells that form when a woman’s egg is fertilised with a man’s sperm, has given rise to several questions and concerns about the ethics behind embryonic stem cell research. This sensitive topic is overwhelming for some people aware of embryonic stem cell research and religious groups like Catholics who strongly disagree with ESC research. Catholics are concerned about embryonic stem cell research because extracting ESC’s from an embryo’s inner cell mass inevitably leads to the destruction of the embryo. These religious groups especially Catholic strongly disagree with ESC research as retrieving ESC’s requires the embryo to be destroyed.

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Latham illustrates the reason embryonic stem cell research became such a controversial subject: ESC research, “Generally involves the destruction of an early-stage human embryo” (1). People all over the world have different beliefs as to when life begins. There is a huge division in opinion; some believe life begins at conception while other believe life begins at birth. It does not matter what a person’s stance if on the subject because everyone must learn to look at the bigger picture; research saves lives. Scientist Melissa Abramovitz, the author of multiple scientific articles such as "The Controversy over Embryonic Stem Cells", informs everyone what happens to embryos in fertility clinics: “Once a successful pregnancy occurs, the parents may elect to leave any unused fertilized eggs in frozen storage, to dispose of them as medical waste, or to donate them for scientific research” (1).

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With the possibility of endless cures and treatments to all kinds of diseases, it’s no wonder embryonic stem cell research is the topic of discussion among Americans. However, disagreements between religious parties and our government has slowed the process of conducting these studies. Multiple religions including the Roman Catholics, Christians, Lutherans, Buddhists, and many others are against studies on embryonic stem cells due to the fact that during the process of extracting the stem cells, the embryo is killed. They feel that this form of research is unnecessary and that life is sacred from the moment of conception (Abernethy). On the other hand, some Christians believe that it is the world's job to conduct these experiments because it can save lives (Pelosi).

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Stem Cell Research on Aborted Babies: Is It Ethical? Human embryonic stem cells are cells that can become any type of cell or tissue, contrary to the non-embryonic stem cells that are found in human adults, embryonic stem cells are found in babies and can be obtained through abortion, miscarriage or in the case of a stillborn. Both types of cells are used in research that is used to help to discover and develop vaccines and treatments for diseases such as diabetes and spinal cord injury. The argument has two sides, it either is not ethical or is.

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This experimentation, however, has caused a controversy in ethical issues. Many people believe that embryonic stem cell research is very unethical for it uses the embryo of a soon to be child for its studies. Many people against abortion feel that this goes hand in hand for it takes the embryo of what was to be a child in the future. Others believe that this embryo research is neccesarry to help prolong the lives of those who are already living. In the novel “Unwind” they used the unwinding process to prolong life with organ donation as they are attempting to do with stem cells.

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Likewise, the use of umbilical cord stem cells and placenta stem cells after a live childbirth seems permissible. No lives are lost in these cases, and as long as the parents give informed consent and don't profit monetarily from the use of these materials, we see no moral objection to them. We would say the same about stem cells retrieved from bodily organs without damaging the organ or endangering the donors life. And the use of adult skin cells as a source for stem cells seems morally permissible as long as those cells are not used to create embryos through

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Stem cell research has had an influence in today’s society. It has caused many arguments in Congress and throughout the world. Many religious groups have argued that using stem cells are against the laws of nature. They also have argued that it is morally and ethically wrong. Throughout the nation, conflict has risen to an all-time high.

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An embryo is a collection of cells that the cells do not have any specific coding yet. “Some argue that as long as the decision to donate embryos for research is made after the decision to discard them, it is morally permissible to use them in HESC research even if we assume that they have the moral status of persons,” Andrew Seigle. Using a donated embryo is no different than someone donating their body to science, or being a donner. Humans who have lost all brain capacity, are allowed to be studied and have organs donated. It is the same with an embryo, the cells have no way of thinking or feeling, much like a brain dead person.

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The ethical concern with stem cell research is the easiest method to retrieve these cells is through the traction of destroyed embryos. Due to vitro fertilization, where the egg is fertilized outside of the body, multiple eggs are used yet not all are reproduced. These remaining embryos will be destroyed or stored, which means they could serve another purpose that can possibly

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The ability to generate new muscle and tissues, expedite the healing process of wounds, repair nerve damage, and treat neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s all encompass the incredible benefits of stem cell therapy. These unique, life-changing cells are capable of specializing themselves into any part of the body that needs it. Stem cells originate from multiple sources: adult bone marrow, adult adipose tissue, placenta, umbilical cord, and embryonic cells. This last source remains the center of debate in biomedical ethics issues. With the origin of human life and abortion remaining a major topic of question in today’s society, obtaining stem cells from embryos begs a major argument.

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Ethical Issues There are ethical issues that have come to light with the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells. Some of these issues that have been raised include: privacy issues of donors, certain safety issues of patients, and the possibility that these cells could be used to develop gametes or misused for reproductive research. There is also the ethical concern regarding changes that may occur with collection of these cells and also the possibility of creating endless adult stem cell lines. “On the one hand, we have research of extraordinarily high potential, but on the other hand, we are manipulating human beings” (O’Mathunta, 2002, p. 197). In addition, donors may oppose their

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There are also methods and ways that do not harm the human embryo. Many embryo’s result in miscarriage early on or many embryos are not wanted. If someone gives permission or is having an abortion then who decides that it is immoral to use these unwanted embryos for stem cell research? Treating a genetic disease seems quite impossible since it is genetically inherited but stem cell therapy opens up the opportunity to do the thing that was once

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Embryos are a source, “using embryos left over from IVF treatments have reservations about cloning for stem cell research because of its exploitative impact on women who have to donate the ova to be used in the procedure” (p. 240). Women are an important part of the process, and it is believed that poor women will be affected the most. Ending the life of embryos and exploiting women raise ethical concerns for society. Idziak stated, “What is ethically controversial, in terms of the current practice of stem cell research, is embryonic stem cell research and therapeutic cloning. Obtaining cells from embryos involves the destruction of early-stage embryos” (p. 236).

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Many people have a problem with stem cell therapy for genetic diseases because in some cases human embryos are created and then subsequently destroyed. They say that human life is sacred and that an embryo represents human life. “The question of when life begins is a biological question, and the answer actually is fairly straightforward: The life of an organism begins at conception or creation.” Moreover, there is a strong argument that by interfering with developing humans is wrong. This is because they believe it is overstepping our bounds as humans and crossing over into God territory.

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