Creating embryos for use in stem cell research.
In this paper I will address whether the restriction on the creation of human embryos solely for the purpose of research in which they will be used and destroyed in the creation of human stem cell lines is ethically justified. Of course, a cynical but perhaps accurate reading of the new Obama policy is that leaving this restriction in place was done for political, not ethical, reasons, in light of the apparent public opposition to creating embryos for use in this research. But the issue of whether the restriction is ethically justified remains important, even if only for another day in the policy arena.
Brock
Dan W
DW
Division of Medical Ethics, Harvard Medical School, USA.
D033421:Beginning of Human Life / Q000941:ethics*; D034462:Dissent and Disputes; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells; D035082:Federal Government; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D033161:Government Regulation; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D009014:Morals; D028723:Personhood; D011057:Politics; D035845:Research Embryo Creation / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012109:Research Support as Topic / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014481:United States; D035761:Wedge Argument