Stem Cell Research Has Been Term Paper

In this light, it is argued that use of surplus blastocysts otherwise disregarded after in vitro fertilization might be less instrumental and less questionable than working with specifically designated embryos. Yet, the fact that surplus IVF embryos are unwanted does not mark them as less human, the ethical implication being that humans have rights regardless if they are wanted or not. On the other hand, adult skin tissue-originated, induced pluripotent stem cell research "would leave a survivor behind who is the genetic source of an iPS cell line" (Hyun 2). What is more, the use of adult stem cells is more likely to solve the problem of immune rejection, which may prove to be a major concern with the use of embryonic stem cells.

It can be asserted that limits of research are yet unknown, therefore the whole process should be closely supervised by society. In the case of adult stem cells, scientists might reveal that any cell in a person's body has the biological potential to become a whole other human being, which would be equivalent with human cloning. The general ethical concern is in this case interfering with the natural order of life, and depriving an individual of the right to a unique identity. Therefore, should subjects shun the possibility of their genetically-matched cells developing human biological characteristics in a laboratory, they should be given an opportunity early in the consent process to decline donation. For this reason, International Society for Stem Cell Research issued in 2007 relevant guidelines, which advocate that "all body cell donors or their legally authorized guardians must give their informed consent for the use of the donor's somatic tissues in stem cell research." (Hyun 2)

All in all, is it countries' laws that have a final word in the stem cell debate? Are the scientists, as instruments of research, most adequate to decide what is dutiful and where moral limits restrict further advance? Or should the potential patient be most involved in the decision-making? The arguments presented tend to favor an emphasis on patients' informed and moral choice. In conclusion, a moral and ethical conduct should at all levels surround the human embryo and the extent to which research should be permitted.

References

Ahsan, T et al. "Stem Cell Research," in Principles of Regenerative Medicine. Burlington: Elsevier, 2008

Grad, N. et al. "Stem Cells Therapy and Research. Benefits and Ethical Challenges." Journal for the Study of Religions and Ideologies, Vol. 11, No. 32 (Summer 2012)

Hyun, I. "Stem…