Ethical Discussion - Answers
Does the government have a moral obligation to regulate research on stem cells?
Australian scientists have been able to generate stem cells from adult cells in the nose. Knowing that embryonic stem cells may not be needed, should all scientists stop work on embryonic stem cells? Are there still cases in which embryonic stem cells would be better than adult stem cells?
Do the possible benefits of stem cell research outweigh moral concerns?
- The government has put regulations in place in order to protect moral interests
- Does the government’s opinion represent the majority’s opinion?
- Does the government respect the opinion and input of scientists?
Australian scientists have been able to generate stem cells from adult cells in the nose. Knowing that embryonic stem cells may not be needed, should all scientists stop work on embryonic stem cells? Are there still cases in which embryonic stem cells would be better than adult stem cells?
- Embryonic stem cells provide a way for scientists to study fetal development
- Adult stem cell techniques will be less risky for patients, since their immune system won’t recognize their own stem cells as foreign
Do the possible benefits of stem cell research outweigh moral concerns?
- Whose morals decide what is final?
- Who will benefit from stem cells research?
- Does the possibility of curing a disease justify the use of embryonic stem cells?