What does "respect for embryos" mean in the context of stem cell research?
This article addresses two questions: 1) how to understand "respect for embryos," and 2) whether the distinction between surplus embryos from in vitro fertilization and embryos created for research purposes has validity. I caution against confusing respect for embryos as a form of human life with the respect that persons, as autonomous agents, deserve. I also argue that there is no moral difference between research that uses spare embryos and research that uses embryos created for that purpose. The value of the research is what determines whether it accords with the principle of respect for embryos, not the source of the embryos.
Steinbock
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Department of Philosophy University at Albany/State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA.
D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D009014:Morals; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D012106:Research; D013234:Stem Cells