Stem Cells: The Ethics and Controversy
**************************************************************
What are the ethical issues?
Some questions to pose:
Is it wrong to use human embryos for scientific research?
Is it necessary to use human Embryonic Stem Cells?
Can Adult Stem Cells do as much as Embryonic?
When does life begin?
How far is too far? Are we playing God?
With this topic, morals and ethics seem to walk hand in hand. The main argument against Embryonic Stem Cell Research is that it is morally wrong to destroy a human life for the purpose of scientific research. This also seems to be the ethical problem. It is difficult to say how ethical decisions are made when it comes to legislating this issue. It would be ideal to be able to say that legislation has been passed based on public opinion. From my own experience, though, it seems that public opinion leans more toward accepting Embryonic Stem Cell Research. This brings into question the real basis for the legislation. It could be based on the personal, moral, and ethical beliefs of the legislators.
More on The Ethical Issues:
Stem Cell PowerPoint: Takes a look at the Science, Ethics, and Controversy
Embryonic Stem Cell Research: To Fund or Not to Fund: A look at arguments on both sides of the debate
Articles read for class:
After two children via IVF, pair faced stem cell issue
From adult stem cells comes debate
*This site was created for a Monmouth College honors course*