title: Human embryonic stem cells and respect for life.
abstract: The purpose of this essay is to stimulate academic discussion about the ethical justification of using human primordial stem cells for tissue transplantation, cell replacement, and gene therapy. There are intriguing alternatives to using embryos obtained from elective abortions and in vitro fertilisation to reconstitute damaged or dysfunctional human organs. These include the expansion and transplantation of latent adult progenitor cells.
authors.affiliation: Archdiocese of San Francisco, California, USA.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Meyer
mesh_terms: D037881:Aborted Fetus; D000328:Adult; D033421:Beginning of Human Life; D033041:Embryo Research; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D035082:Federal Government; D005260:Female; D016332:Fetal Tissue Transplantation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D019369:Life; D028681:Moral Obligations; D011247:Pregnancy; D012106:Research / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D014481:United States; D026712:Value of Life