Human stem cells and their storage: some ethical issues.
An account of the sources and properties of human stem cells is given with an indication of ethical issues associated with each. The ethical considerations of umbilical cord blood stem cell banks are considered in more detail. It is suggested that some private stem cell banks may not, at present, be providing an ethically valid service. Public stem cell banks, on the other hand, may be more likely to save lives although it will be necessary to assure their long-term financial status.
Centre for Economic and Social Aspects of Genomics, Institute for Advanced Studies, County South, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK. p.whittaker@lancs.ac.uk
Peter
P
Whittaker
D018070:Biological Specimen Banks / Q000191:economics / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000941:ethics*; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D039902:Multipotent Stem Cells