Introduction to Stem Cell Research - Study Guide | PHIL 1304, Study notes of Ethics

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Stem Cell Research

Should Embryos be Used for Medical Research?

Important Distinctions

• (^) IVF: a form of assisted reproduction in which embryos are created and gestated in test-tubes in order to assist infertile couples have children
• (^) IVF produces spare embryos in contrast to r esearch embryos i.e., embryos specifically created for research
• (^) Research embryos can be produced by donation or cloning (later makes therapeutic cloning possible) which should not be confused with reproductive cloning

Moral Issue

• (^) SC obtained from both spared and research embryos involves sacrificing the embryos
• (^) Is this morally right, even if the intention (find cures) is good?
• (^) Conservatives: No: ER involves killing a person or a potential person, or violates the sanctity of human life, or the dignity of human life, or is disrespectful

Potential Person

• (^) X is a potential person (a potential member of the moral community)
• (^) If X is a potential member of the moral community, then it deserves to be treated as a person i.e. as an actual member of the moral community
• (^) Therefore, X should not be used for medical research

Other Arguments

• (^) SCR violates human dignity
• (^) SCR is disrespectful
• (^) What do you think about these arguments?