(Embryonic) stem cell research is still highly controversial even if confronted with the vast of chances this new technology might bring to mankind. People with strong ethnic and/or religious beliefs struggle with the idea of having the embryos "killed" in order to produce the valuable stem cells.
This paper will focus on the conflict of ethnical beliefs versus scientific progress. It will cover the basic differences between adult stem cell research and embryonic stem cell research, what the arguments of both sides are and how this conflict is dealt with in the EU.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Embryonic Stem Cell Research - Adult Stem Cell Research
- Definitions & Differences
- Pros & Cons
- The Basic Ethical Problem
- The Value of the Embryo
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper explores the controversial topic of stem cell research, focusing on the ethical implications of using embryonic stem cells. The main objective is to analyze the conflict between ethical beliefs and scientific progress, highlighting the arguments from both sides of the debate.
- The ethical dilemma of embryonic stem cell research
- The arguments for and against embryonic stem cell research
- The different types of stem cell research (embryonic vs. adult)
- The role of religious beliefs in the debate
- The legislative framework surrounding stem cell research in the EU and USA
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The paper begins by introducing the ethical controversy surrounding embryonic stem cell research, particularly within the context of Christianity and its belief in the sanctity of life. The paper then explores the fundamental differences between embryonic and adult stem cell research, outlining the methods of obtaining these cells and their potential applications in therapy.
The following section delves into the ethical debate surrounding embryonic stem cell research. It discusses the conflict between the principle of alleviating suffering and the principle of respecting human life, examining the arguments for and against the destruction of embryos for scientific research.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of this paper include stem cell research, ethics, controversy, religion, and legislation. The paper examines the ethical debate surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells, specifically the conflict between religious beliefs and scientific progress, and explores the legal frameworks in the EU and USA that govern this field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ethical conflict in embryonic stem cell research?
The conflict lies between the potential to alleviate human suffering through new medical treatments and the belief that destroying embryos is equivalent to killing a human life.
What is the difference between embryonic and adult stem cells?
Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they can become any cell type, whereas adult stem cells are multipotent and generally limited to becoming specific cell types from their tissue of origin.
How does religion influence the stem cell debate?
Many religions, particularly Christianity, emphasize the "sanctity of life" from the moment of conception, leading to strong opposition to research that involves the destruction of embryos.
Is stem cell research legal in the EU and USA?
Legislation varies significantly by country and state; the paper examines the different legislative frameworks that govern how and if embryonic stem cell research can be conducted.
What are the potential medical benefits of stem cell technology?
It offers hope for treating previously incurable diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, or spinal cord injuries by replacing damaged cells with healthy ones.
- Quote paper
- Melanie Buchmayr (Author), 2009, Murder on behalf of science?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/148160
