Ethics in Sterm Cell Research
Ethics in Stem Cell Research
[Subject]
[Student’s Name]
University Affiliation
Table of Contents
Introduction 3 Ethical Issues for Stem Cell Research 3 Conclusion 7 Bibliography 8
Introduction
It is man’s bounden duty to promote and sustain life, being a co-creator and a co-worker of God. In the performance of such duties, man has, in the name of ground breaking innovations, has impinged on one of the most crucial processes of life, its creation and sustenance. One of the significant innovations today in the field of medical research is the discovery of the potential of the stem cell as possible key to sustaining human life. However, this development brings to conflict two moral principles, as cited by Rickard (2002), where one entails suffering’s prevention or alleviation; and the other, the manifestation of respect for human life’s value.
From this point, it appears that the harvesting of stem cells, whether embryonic or adult, is a promising option geared towards sustaining human life; but, what is paradoxical lies with the fact that such an option comes from human life itself, which could either be harmed or destroyed depending on the type of cell the stem cell is being sought for.
The deeper question, which many dare to ask, is whether or not it is justified to sustain life by destroying or harming life itself?
Ethical Issues for Stem Cell Research The conflict about the perceived benefits and ethical implications of allowing stem cell research to progress have been debated upon as early as 1999 (Chapman, Frankel & Garfinkel 1999), up to the present. It is true that Stem cell research may revolutionize the treatment of various serious conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and injuries to the spinal cord, coronary diseases, cancer, and even the replacement of damaged tissue, more significantly of vital organs (Abboud, 2002). However, there are significant ethical considerations that hinder the
[Subject]
[Student’s Name]
University Affiliation
Table of Contents
Introduction 3 Ethical Issues for Stem Cell Research 3 Conclusion 7 Bibliography 8
Introduction
It is man’s bounden duty to promote and sustain life, being a co-creator and a co-worker of God. In the performance of such duties, man has, in the name of ground breaking innovations, has impinged on one of the most crucial processes of life, its creation and sustenance. One of the significant innovations today in the field of medical research is the discovery of the potential of the stem cell as possible key to sustaining human life. However, this development brings to conflict two moral principles, as cited by Rickard (2002), where one entails suffering’s prevention or alleviation; and the other, the manifestation of respect for human life’s value.
From this point, it appears that the harvesting of stem cells, whether embryonic or adult, is a promising option geared towards sustaining human life; but, what is paradoxical lies with the fact that such an option comes from human life itself, which could either be harmed or destroyed depending on the type of cell the stem cell is being sought for.
The deeper question, which many dare to ask, is whether or not it is justified to sustain life by destroying or harming life itself?
Ethical Issues for Stem Cell Research The conflict about the perceived benefits and ethical implications of allowing stem cell research to progress have been debated upon as early as 1999 (Chapman, Frankel & Garfinkel 1999), up to the present. It is true that Stem cell research may revolutionize the treatment of various serious conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and injuries to the spinal cord, coronary diseases, cancer, and even the replacement of damaged tissue, more significantly of vital organs (Abboud, 2002). However, there are significant ethical considerations that hinder the
Bibliography: Abboud, A. (2002). The Stem Cell Debate. Retrieved March 31, 2011 from: http://www.australasianbioethics.org/Media/stemcells-3.pdf Business Ethics: Kantian Ethics (Deontology). (2005). Retrieved April 16 2011 from: http://ww2.it.nuigalway.ie/staff/h_melvin/prof_skill/L3_handout.pdf Canela, M. (2002). Embryonic Stem Cell Research: the Relevance of Ethics in the Progress of Science. Retrieved March 31, 2011 from: http://www.unav.es/adi/UserFiles/CvFiles/Files/68209/EmbryonicStemCells_Ethics_MSM0402%282%29.pdf Chapman, A. R., Frankel, M. & Garfinkel, M. (1999). Stem Cell Research and Applications Monitoring the Frontiers of Biomedical Research. Retrieved March 31, 2011 from: http://www.aaas.org/spp/sfrl/projects/stem/report.pdf Elliott, J. (2003). Ethical Considerations in Stem Cell Research. Retrieved March 31, 2011 from: http://www.bioethics-singapore.org/old/resources/pdf/Annex%20E%20-%20ETHICAL%20CONSIDERATIONS%20IN%20STEM%20CELL%20RESEARCH.pdf Harman, E. (2007). How is the Ethics of Stem Cell Research Different from the Ethics of Abortion. Retrieved March 31, 2011 from: http://www.princeton.edu/~eharman/stemcellresearch.pdf Rickard, M. (2002). Key Ethical Issues in Embryonic Stem Cell Research. Retrieved March 31, 2011 from: http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/CIB/2002-03/03cib05.pdf MacDonald, C. (2001). Stem Cells: a Pluripotent Challenge. Retrieved March 31, 2011 from: http://www.ethicsweb.ca/papers/BioScan-cm.pdf