Stem Cell Research Ethical Issues

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

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

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