An Ethical Analysis of Embryonic Stem Cell Research
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Genetics & Society: A Course for Educators Professors Rob DeSalle & David Randle, PhD. Ethical Conflict: Written Assignment February, 19th, 2015 Darren Gregory An Ethical Analysis of Embryonic Stem Cell Research ___________________________________________________________________________________ Stem cell research is considered key science in developing future treatments for a variety of troubling human health issues. Issues such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease, Spinal Cord Injuries, Diabetes and Heart Disease , all show promise in terms of stem cell research for developing more powerful treatments. This paper reviews the ethical dilemma of using human embryos in stem cell research. Although stem cells can be harvested from adult humans, there is greater benefit in using embryonic cells because these cells are pluropotent and can therefore develop into all of the cell types that make up the human body. Cells are acquired through two methods.: ●
Early blastocyst stage embryos created through in vitro (in a test tube) fertilization is quite successful. In this case, stem cells are collected from extra embryos after infertility treatments or are created for research as is currently allowed in some countries.
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Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) or therapeutic cloning shows limited success. . This process involves inserting the nucleus from an adult specialized (somatic) cell into an unfertilized egg (oocyte) with its nucleus removed. (* Embryonic Stem Cells & BritishNorth American Committee,
2004). There are ethical concerns dividing the science and religious communities related to the use of embryos in research. Because harvesting cells involves the destruction of an existing fertilized embryo, the religious community sees this as equivalent to taking human life. Scientists, on the other hand, believe that embryos are not human life as they are incapable of living outside the womb. Much of the contrary religious position centers around similar issues raised by proponents in regards to abortion. In terms of ethics however, all stakeholders must have a voice. Therefore, the question of use of embryos in research rests on two fundamental moral principles:
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The duty to prevent or alleviate suffering.
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The duty to respect the value of human life. ( ** Embryonic stem cell research: an ethical dilemma, 2011).
It is impossible to address together both principles. On the one hand, obtaining embryonic stem cells destroys the early embryothis does mean the destruction of potential human life. On the other, stem cell research could lead to the development of medical treatments that would eradicate the suffering of many. Which moral principle, then, should be granted precedence? I reviewed regulatory literature to answer this question. The answer is leveraged on determining the moral l ifestatus granted an embryo. There are four points of view:
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The embryo has full moral status from fertilization onwards.
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There is a cutoff point at 14 days after fertilization.
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The embryo has increasing status as it develops.
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The embryo has no moral status at all.
Within the intent of reviewed regulatory positions guiding embryonic research exists clear understanding that the use of embryos deserves respect. Resulting policies, establish limits and restrictions on the use of embryos, and function generally under these guidelines:
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Embryos must be donated with free and informed consent.
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The science utilized must be of high quality and valid.
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Embryos must not be wasted or kept in excessive number.
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Research only embryos within the first fourteen days after fertilisation.
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Regularly review protocols through ethics boards.
Personally, as is the position of regulators around the world, I support a middle position that seeks balance in answering the ethical dilemma. The potential benefits to humankind is simply far too great to ignore. Until such time as somatic cell nuclear transfer techniques become consistently successful, embryonic research should continue. Oversight and review remains necessary to achieve even greater balance than current guidelines support, however. Maintaining respect through the continued development of researchthis, I believe, is key.
Upon review, it appears we aren’t now taking the use of embryos in research lightly. Ethically speaking, I trust we never will. References *I nternet Resource: Embryonic Stem Cells, 2015. http://stemcell.wikidot.com/background:embryonicstemcellsesc **Internet Resource: ** Embryonic Stem Cell Research: An Ethical Dilemma, 2011. http://www.eurostemcell.org/factsheet/embyronicstemcellresearchethicaldilemma Knowles, Lori P. “The Use of Human Embryos in Stem Cell Research” Stem Cell Network, For the Public, Ethics and Policy, Spring 2010. http://www.stemcellnetwork.ca/uploads/File/whitepapers/TheuseofHumanEmbryos.pdf
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