Bioethical+Issues

 Bioethical Issues on
 * Stem Cell Research **

Research vs. Human Ethics Stem cell research brings up many ethical issues in society, especially because embryonic stem cell research involves the ethical issue of future medical research over human life preservation. Although the general public is leaning towards supporting stem cell research statistically, human ethics cannot be ignored as many fervent opinions still oppose research completely and partially.



Both sides of the issue lay out several reasons why stem cell research should be continued or discontinued for human ethical purposes.

Research vs. Animal Rights/Activists Stem cell research calls for a steady and growing supply of embryonic stem cells. However, due to many ethical issues that arise from the use of human embryos, these embryonic stem cells are not being provided enough for scientists. Although the stem cells could serve as a viable alternative to animal testing, presently, animal testing must ensue. While many animal rights activists hope for a point when animals are no longer used in research, stem cell research seems to provide just that hope. But on the contrary, stem cell research is currently limited from the use of embryos and therefore is inclined to use the more available animals in testing.

So, should animal rights activists support stem cell research (even though the research still calls for animal testing) on the hope that, someday, embryos will finally replace animals? Why animals rights activists should __SUPPORT__ stem cell research  -drug testing on animal cells is at times irrelevant - some drugs have an effect on animal cells but don't have an effect on human cells; therefore, stem cell based drug testing can be signifcantly more accurate -stem cell research may one day allow animal meat to be grown in Petri dishes; that way animals will no longer have to suffer -stem cell research has a vast potential to end the majority of animal testing because embryonic stem cells will replace animals

 Why animal rights activists should __NOT support__ stem cell research  -**__there are currently laws/policies in place that protect animals in research:__**

1) Public Health Service Policy (on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals): response of the PHS (Public Health Service) to the Health Research Extension Act of 1985, which established “guidelines and procedures for the proper care and treatment of animals used in biomedical research conducted or supported by PHS”; this policy also “calls for adherence to the National Research Council's (NRC) Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals”

2) Animal Welfare Act: specifies the minimum standards (established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or USDA) of “care and treatment required for certain animals used in research, bred for commercial sale, transported commercially, or exhibited in public”


 * __-stem cell research still involves sacrifice of both animal lives and human embryos

-successful execution of stem cell research is still decades away - the number of animals that will be sacrificed in the meantime is uncountable__**

Research vs. Religious Views

 Although opposition to stem cell research has greatly decreased over the past years, controvery still exists on whether or not embryonic stem cell use is ethical. Many points of views considering the ethics of stem cell research depend not only on personal morals but also religion. As religions have their own beliefs and philosophies, their opinions on embryonic stem cell research differs as well.

The biggest controversy surrounds the definition of an embryo. Does it have the characteristics to be considered a human being or is it simply as a stage before it is considered as a life form? Depending on the definition accepted by accepted by each religion, stem cell research can be seen as a life-changing futuristic resaerch or as an act of murder.

Many religions disagree with the use of embryonic cells for research as they consider life to begin as soon as conception. The use of embryonic cells results in potential murder of the life form and this is considered unethical by certain religions. Other religions support the view that humans have a primary responsibility to use our God-given knowledge to heal human lives and that this responsibility overrides other ethics. Some consider stem cell research to be acceptable only within limited guidelines and parameters. A. Statistics -stem cell research supporters generally increased throughout the years -52% of opponents of stem cell research say religion is the biggest influence on their position -only 7% of supporters say religion is the biggest influence -Support within the Catholic Church increased by 18% in just 3 years (2002-2005)

B. Religions __SUPPORTING__ stem cell research <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%; text-align: left;"> Support the belief that people must use God-given knowledge to heal people. The primary responsibility of people to save people’s lives rather than ethics. They say it would be “immoral and unethical” to cut off funds for promising medical research.
 * Union of American Hebrew Congregations (Reform Jews)**

Supports using embryos made for research purposes, but against reproducing new embryos for research purposes. Partially supportive with strict guidelines and parameters.
 * Episcopal Church**

Approves the research by the belief that the goals of stem cell research are "compelling and unreachable by other means."
 * Presbyterian Church USA**

Agree on stem cell research, saying, "an isolated fertilized egg does not enjoy the full status of personhood." They do not consider the use of embryonic cells as “murder” based on their views. <span style="color: #800080; display: block; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 150%; text-align: right;">C. Religions __AGAINST__ stem cell research <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%; text-align: right;">**Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America** Regards destroying of fetus as a form of abortion and abortion is already unethical/immoral.
 * Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations**

Believes in Church's commitment to preserve human life. Using embryonic cells for future purposes is considered unethical and against their beliefs.
 * Catholic Bishops**

Holds their belief that killing of human beings is never justified for research ends.
 * Christian Coalition**

Believes that life begins at conception. Research involving the intentional destruction of human life, such as harvesting embryonic stem cells, is morally impermissible; even cells used from abortions is not acceptable because abortion itself is not accepted.
 * Buddhism**

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