Embryonic stem cell production through therapeutic cloning has fewer ethical problems than stem cell harvest from surplus IVF embryos.
Restrictions on research on therapeutic cloning are questionable as they inhibit the development of a technique which holds promise for successful application of pluripotent stem cells in clinical treatment of severe diseases. It is argued in this article that the ethical concerns are less problematic using therapeutic cloning compared with using fertilised eggs as the source for stem cells. The moral status of an enucleated egg cell transplanted with a somatic cell nucleus is found to be more clearly not equivalent to that of a human being. Based on ethical considerations alone, research into therapeutic cloning should be encouraged in order to develop therapeutic applications of stem cells.
Hansen
J-E S
JE
Centre for Rare Diseases and Disabilities, Copenhagen, Denmark. jesh@dadlnet.dk
D001675:Bioethics; D019976:Cloning, Organism / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D033041:Embryo Research; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D009014:Morals; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D012106:Research / Q000592:standards; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D013234:Stem Cells