Stem cell terminology: practical, theological and ethical implications.
Stem cell policy discussions frequently confuse embryonic and fetal sources of stem cells, and label untested, non-reproductive cloning as "therapeutic." Such misnomers distract attention from significant practical and ethical implications: accelerated research agendas tend to be supported at the expense of physical risks to women, theological implications in a multi-faith community, informed consent for participation in research, and treatment decisions altered by unrealistic expectations.
Shanner
Laura
L
John Dossetor Health Ethics Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
D037881:Aborted Fetus / Q000166:cytology; D033421:Beginning of Human Life; D002170:Canada; D019976:Cloning, Organism / Q000941:ethics; D033041:Embryo Research / Q000941:ethics; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology; D047108:Embryonic Development; D005260:Female; D033042:Fetal Research / Q000941:ethics; D005333:Fetus / Q000166:cytology; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D028723:Personhood; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000941:ethics; D035845:Research Embryo Creation / Q000941:ethics; D013234:Stem Cells; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D016387:Women's Health