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Ethical Implications of Stem Cell Research

Stem cell research is at the center of a raging controversy due to its ethical implications. Although few debate the potential marvels that mastering stem cells could provide by way of medical advancements in the treatment and prevention of life threatening diseases, many object strenuously to the measures being taken to reach that goal.

The study of adult and cord blood stem cells is not disputed, since harvesting them causes no harm. However, the harvesting of embryonic stem cells is another matter altogether, since it requires the destruction of early-stage embryos, known as blastocycts. Proponents of embryonic research argue that a blastocyst is only a cluster of 150 cells, and does not possess even the nervous system required to biologically qualify as a human being. Further, they maintain that blastocysts are surpluses obtained from in vitro fertilization clinics with the consent of the patients.

However, for the people whose moral beliefs state that human life begins at the moment of conception, embryonic research is simply unacceptable, especially since adult stem cell therapy has already proven to have potential in treating diseases such as diabetes, acute renal failure, sickle cell anemia, and Parkinson’s.

Book Resources On Ethical Implications of Stem Cell Research

Stem Cell Research: Medical Applications and Ethical Controversies by Joseph, Ph.D Panno
God and the Embryo: Religious Voices on Stem Cells and Cloning by Brent Waters

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