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Why stem cell research using embryos is considered unethical?
However, human embryonic stem cell (HESC) research is unethical since it results in the destruction of human life for research purposes. HESC research is morally wrong since it is the direct destruction of innocent human life and does not benefit the individual embryo undergoing the research (3).
Do you think it is morally acceptable to use embryos for research?
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. The claim takes two different forms.
Does stem cell research harm embryos?
Human embryonic stem cells may or may not possess the innate capacity to provide unique treatments for human disease. But at least for now, live human embryos must be destroyed in the process of creating stem cells.
What religions are against embryonic stem cell research?
The Catholic Church has become the leading voice against any form of human cloning and even against the creation of human embryonic stem-cell lines from ‘excess’ in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos.
What is the moral status of early embryos created by therapeutic cloning?
Moral status of the IVF embryo and the argument of potential Embryo destruction is viewed as morally objectionable by the Prolife partisans because they grant the early embryo potential for personhood following development to term.
How are embryos used for stem cell research?
The embryos being used in embryonic stem cell research come from eggs that were fertilized at in vitro fertilization clinics but never implanted in a woman’s uterus. The stem cells are donated with informed consent from donors.
Does religious thought regarding stem cell research matter?
As the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops declared: “Clearly, the Church favors ethically acceptable stem cell research. It opposes destroying some human lives now, on the pretext that this may possibly help other lives in the future. We must respect life at all times, especially when our goal is to save lives.”
What are the advantages and disadvantages of embryonic stem cells?
Table 1
| Stem cell type | Limitations | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Embryonic stem cells | (1) Ethical dilemmas (2) Possible immune rejection after implantation (3) Only a small number of differentiated cardiomyoctes can be generated (4) May lead to teratocarcinomas (5) Genetic instability | Can differentiate into cells of all three germ layers |
Why are embryonic stem cells important?
Embryonic stem cells can, in theory, produce any type of tissue in large quantities. That gives scientists enough cells to complete and repeat experiments and allows them to ask questions about disease that would be impossible with other kinds of cells.
What is the status of an embryo?
Biologically the human embryo is undoubtedly human; it has human chromosomes derived from human gametes.It is also alive, exhibiting movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion and nutrition.It is therefore most accurate to speak of it as a human being with potential, a human being in an early …