The Ethical Debate of Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Stem cell research is often at the forefront of heated ethical debates due to its assessment of human life. If stem cell research cannot be ethically defended, then it should not be conducted. â€Å"You cannot defend a study ethically unless the presumed cost is lower than expected benefits. The cost-benefit analysis of scientific research needs to include human/animal discomfort/risks, environmental issues, material costs, etc† which is necessary to support the positive outcome which the research claims to provide (experiment-resources, 2008). The two opposing ethical arguments which have to be defended morally are that of utilitarianism and deontology. â€Å"Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that determines the moral value of an act in terms of†¦show more content†¦A free and virtuous society, which America aspires to be, must reject practices that devalue and violate human life at any stage from conception until natural death† (FoxNews.com, 2001). There are several new methods that have been developed since the start of the highly controversial stem cell debate which rectifies the major differences on both sides. New solutions such as Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS) acts as an alternate method to embryonic research in that it uses cellular reprogramming of adult skin cells.â€Å"The benefit of iPS is that stem cells can be created without the use of embryos, however, the cells resemble embryos in that they can, theoretically and under the appropriate conditions, be made to differentiate into any type of cell found in the body † (Phillips, 2010). . There are also techniques being developed that use amnionic fluid, or stem cell extraction techniques that do not damage the embryo, that also provide alternatives for obtaining viable stem cell lines † (Phillips, 2010). The only caveat to all of these newly developed alternatives is that no solution has been studied long enough to claim that it can be an effectiv e substitute 100%. â€Å"To begin with, demand forShow MoreRelatedThe Debate Concerning Embryonic Stem Cell Research Essay1406 Words   |  6 Pagesof embryonic stem cell research. The embryonic stem cell debate has polarized the country into those who argue that such research holds promises of ending a great deal of human suffering and others who condemn such research as involving the abortion of a potential human life. If any answer to the ethical debate surrounding this particular aspect of stem cell research exists, it is a hazy one at best. The question facing many scientists and policymakers involved in embryonic stem cell research isRead MoreEssay on The Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research928 Words   |  4 Pagespros and cons of development in stem cell research. 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