[The stem cell debate: in favor of ethical clarification].
Stem cell research raises ethical issues, the grounds for which however are fairly unclear. As a form of fundamental research, it should be assessed according to the same classical ethical criteria. The strategic scientific question of the priority of adult stem cells versus embryonic stem cells cannot be dogmatically answered in advance, but rather contextually. The question of the moral status of the embryo outside the woman's body will always involve personal beliefs. But legislation will have to regulate this issue from a "middle-of-the-road" position reflecting the convictions of most of the citizens (e.g., embryos will be protected, but not the same as already-born persons).
Bondolfi
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Universität Zürich. alberto@sozethik.unizh.ch
D000328:Adult; D019924:Embryo Disposition; D033041:Embryo Research / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009014:Morals; D011247:Pregnancy; D013234:Stem Cells; D013557:Switzerland