Spring Break
Ethics Restrain Stem Cell Research
Christopher Taylor
Issue date: 12/8/06 Section: Commentary
Dr. William B. Hurlbut addressed University of Wisconsin-Madison students and residents at Union South Tuesday night, focusing on ethical reasons for promoting Altered Nuclear Transfer in stem cell research. The new method proposes that no embryo would be created or destroyed during the process of cloning for biomedical research.
Hurlbut,of Stanford University's Neuroscience Institute and a member of the President's Council on Bioethics, was joined by a panel consisting of Anatomy and Neurology Professor Clive Svendsen, Associate Professor of Bioethics and Philosophy Robert Streiffer and Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison's Catholic Diocese.
As debate ensued, the topic of conversation turned to the ongoing ethical implications that surround both the new method of research and traditional methods of stem cell exploration, and brought about new approaches to discussing the topic.
Expectedly, the conversation included a definition of human life from multiple perspectives. Referencing the belief that embryos possess more than biological traits at the start of embryonic growth, the debate inevitably progressed to the weighted issues of abortion, cloning and in vitro fertilization.
Hurlbut introduced ANT as a way to change the heated debate over embryo use. Bishop Morlino broadened the options to improve ethical decision making in science by expanding the argument to include the moral appropriateness of adult stem cell research over embryonic stem cell research.
"Every human being has a right to a human origin," said Morlino. "To take that right away is diminishing to our humanity."
Another reason ethics are so inherently connected to stem cell research is the fact that there are no laws defining the boundaries within which research can be conducted. The British have developed policies requiring researchers to obtain licenses from national regulating authority before proceeding to work within controversial areas, while still permitting the flexibility to explore these emerging areas of research.
Hurlbut,of Stanford University's Neuroscience Institute and a member of the President's Council on Bioethics, was joined by a panel consisting of Anatomy and Neurology Professor Clive Svendsen, Associate Professor of Bioethics and Philosophy Robert Streiffer and Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison's Catholic Diocese.
As debate ensued, the topic of conversation turned to the ongoing ethical implications that surround both the new method of research and traditional methods of stem cell exploration, and brought about new approaches to discussing the topic.
Expectedly, the conversation included a definition of human life from multiple perspectives. Referencing the belief that embryos possess more than biological traits at the start of embryonic growth, the debate inevitably progressed to the weighted issues of abortion, cloning and in vitro fertilization.
Hurlbut introduced ANT as a way to change the heated debate over embryo use. Bishop Morlino broadened the options to improve ethical decision making in science by expanding the argument to include the moral appropriateness of adult stem cell research over embryonic stem cell research.
"Every human being has a right to a human origin," said Morlino. "To take that right away is diminishing to our humanity."
Another reason ethics are so inherently connected to stem cell research is the fact that there are no laws defining the boundaries within which research can be conducted. The British have developed policies requiring researchers to obtain licenses from national regulating authority before proceeding to work within controversial areas, while still permitting the flexibility to explore these emerging areas of research.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Kim O'Brien
posted 12/08/06 @ 6:12 PM EST
Ethics restrain Stem Cell Research? Or the Catholic Church would like to restrain stem cell research because their religious dogma conflicts with scientific research. (Continued…)
muslimah4ever
Mahrukh Naeem
posted 12/14/06 @ 10:45 AM EST
Hmnnnn,
Debating on this issue, wouldn't really help. Morally speaking, the Religion that you are practicing has to do with the position you ought to choose. (Continued…)
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