ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS ON USE OF EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS

The use of early human embryos in stem cell research is a complex and controversial ethical issue
as this research has been confronted with questions from medical professionals, the public, religious
groups, and national and international organizations. Jurisprudence always had considered the aspect
of Law and Ethics as they are quite interrelated. Different nations differ greatly in their laws relating
stem cell research thereby reflecting the deep socio-ethical conflicts which exist about the nature of
the human embryo and research involving human stem cells. Even though many applications of stem
cells are under investigation, it has raised high hopes and promises along with warnings. With the
increasing demand for quality treatment and solutions for various diseases the ethical protest against
scientific interference over human life has taken a pace. Despite these demands the legal philosophers
should give due regard to the issues affecting human life and its dignity.1
There are various issues need to be pondered upon like proving the effectiveness and minimising
the risks associated with stem cell treatments, egg donation and consent, and social issues like whether
everyone can afford the therapies and how much health service resources they would consume all in
all. But what makes this area especially contentious is the source of the cells, and in particular the use
of human embryos. Those who support research on human stem cells, either in religious or secular
bioethics, support the advantages of such research to save human lives and the duty to relieve their
bodily sufferings in accordance with pragmatic and duty-based approaches. Some even go so far as
to state that such research is a “moral imperative”, considering the potential benefits of ameliorating
human suffering. 2