[Ageing, stem cells and indefinitely prolonged lives].
This paper argues that stem cells, with their ability to replace damaged tissues and organs may open new horizons for prolonging-life therapies. The article suggests that stopping this research is improbable and also undesirable, because if successful, millions of people will greatly benefit. On the other hand, this progression in curing disease may result in prolonging life, possibly indefinitely. This paper explores notions of human indefinitely prolonged life (IPL)--assuming that IPL maintains people's health and full capabilities--and suggests that existing claims against IPL, such as overpopulation, reduced brain capacity and possible personal boredom, do not justify avoiding IPL when, and if it becomes available. Nor does global justice require people from developed societies to give up their lives. It concludes however, that, although we should not prevent people from living longer lives, new schemes of morality should be developed under this perspective.
Simonstein
Frida
F
The Center for Women's Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheba, Israel. fridas@yvc.ac.il
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation