(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.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Embryonic stem cell research – adult stem cell research
2.1. Definitions & differences
3. Pros & cons
3.1. The basic ethical problem
3.2. The Value of the Embryo
3.3. The Catholic Church
4. Legislation
4.1. EU
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the ongoing ethical conflict between scientific progress in embryonic stem cell research and the moral concerns regarding the destruction of human embryos. It explores the differing scientific methods, the ideological arguments presented by religious institutions and policymakers, and the legislative landscape within the United States and the European Union.
- Comparison between adult and embryonic stem cell research methodologies.
- Analysis of moral and ethical implications regarding the status of the human embryo.
- Evaluation of the Catholic Church's stance on biomedical research.
- Review of legislative frameworks and regulatory differences between nations.
- Assessment of the shift in U.S. policy regarding stem cell research funding.
Excerpt from the Paper
3.1. The basic ethical problem
Rickard (2002, p.8) explains this basic problem well in his report for the Australian government: The possibility of embryonic stem cell research presents mankind with a moral problem. Two fundamental moral principles seem to be affected: One principle enjoins the prevention or alleviation of suffering, and the other enjoins us to respect the value of human life.
However, it is mentioned that producing human embryonic stem cells violates the second principle due to the destruction of human life with value (e.g. human embryos). Apparently, it is not possible to respect both principles simultaneously. So this leads to the question which one of the principles holds the priority of rank in this controversy. As Rickard (2002, p.8) mentions, the questions to be answered are firstly if people should give more weight to the first, and permit destructive embryonic stem cell research because of its remarkable potential benefits, or if the second should be weighted stronger, and prohibit destructive embryonic research because it violates respect for the value of the embryo as the beginning of a possible human life.
It might sound insensitive but the answer lies within making a decision about how the positive value of destructive embryo research is to be weighted, from a moral point of view, in comparison to the negative value of destroying embryos. The most important outcome is probably not solving the problem once and for all, but rather getting a clear idea of what moral weight each side of the equation has. Therefore, this includes firstly, developing a clear image of what the real value and benefits of embryonic research are, and secondly, elucidating the value of embryos themselves, and what, if anything, may be wrong with destroying them (Rickard, 2002, p. 9).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the primary ethical tension between the potential for life-saving medical advancement and the moral status of the embryo.
2. Embryonic stem cell research – adult stem cell research: Provides technical definitions of stem cells and explains the diverse methods of obtaining them, including IVF and somatic cell nuclear transfer.
3. Pros & cons: Discusses the ethical dilemmas, the moral status of the embryo, and the specific opposition voiced by the Catholic Church.
4. Legislation: Surveys the global and European legal environment regarding stem cell research and notes the impact of changing government policies.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes the necessity of moving beyond the ethical impasse to focus on medical solutions for those suffering from incurable diseases.
Keywords
Stem cell research, ethics, controversy, religion, legislation, embryos, biomedical, moral status, adult stem cells, IVF, scientific progress, human dignity, policy, healthcare
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this academic paper?
The paper focuses on the controversy surrounding embryonic stem cell research, specifically analyzing the conflict between ethical/religious beliefs and the goal of scientific medical progress.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
Key areas include the biological definition of stem cells, the moral status of human embryos, the stance of religious institutions, and the variation in international legislation.
What is the ultimate goal of the research?
The paper aims to explore how various stakeholders—including patients, scientists, religious bodies, and governments—navigate the ethical challenges and potential benefits associated with stem cell research.
Which scientific methodology is the focus of the text?
The text primarily discusses the differences between obtaining cells from adult organisms versus embryonic sources, including techniques like in-vitro fertilization and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).
What is the main argument presented in the body of the work?
The body argues that there is a profound dilemma between the principle of alleviating human suffering and the principle of protecting human life at its earliest stages.
Which keywords best describe this study?
The most relevant keywords include stem cell research, ethics, controversy, religion, legislation, and biomedical progress.
How does the author characterize the Catholic Church's position?
The author explains that the Church opposes embryonic research because it views the embryo as a human life from conception, condemning the destruction of embryos as a violation of divine gift and moral integrity.
How is the legislative situation in Europe described?
The paper highlights that legislation is highly varied across the European Union, with some countries maintaining strict regulations while others allow research under specific conditions.
What shift in U.S. policy does the author highlight?
The author discusses the shift from the restrictive policies of the Bush Administration to the more permissive, science-oriented stance adopted by the Obama Administration in 2009.
- Quote paper
- Melanie Buchmayr (Author), 2009, Murder on behalf of science?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/148160
