Cynthia B. Cohen
David E. Guinn (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195178739
- eISBN:
- 9780199784943
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195178734.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Philosophy of Religion
This chapter argues that although there are certain limits on how religious bodies and their members should attempt to insert their beliefs into public policy matters, religiously based arguments ...
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This chapter argues that although there are certain limits on how religious bodies and their members should attempt to insert their beliefs into public policy matters, religiously based arguments should, as a matter of principle, be allowed to enter into public debate. This is the case even when many participants in these debates do not accept the premises on which the arguments of religious believers are constructed. The first part of the chapter considers the stances that various religious bodies and commentators have taken publicly regarding embryonic stem cell research and the ways in which they have justified their views in the course of public discussion. It then examines why critics of religious bodies object to the introduction of religious views into public policy debates and offer several responses to these critics, using the responses of religious bodies and thinkers to embryonic stem cell research as examples. Finally, the chapter sets out an alternative view that offers a system for allowing religious bodies to present their views in the public sphere, provided that they follow certain practices that allow fair and open debate.Less
This chapter argues that although there are certain limits on how religious bodies and their members should attempt to insert their beliefs into public policy matters, religiously based arguments should, as a matter of principle, be allowed to enter into public debate. This is the case even when many participants in these debates do not accept the premises on which the arguments of religious believers are constructed. The first part of the chapter considers the stances that various religious bodies and commentators have taken publicly regarding embryonic stem cell research and the ways in which they have justified their views in the course of public discussion. It then examines why critics of religious bodies object to the introduction of religious views into public policy debates and offer several responses to these critics, using the responses of religious bodies and thinkers to embryonic stem cell research as examples. Finally, the chapter sets out an alternative view that offers a system for allowing religious bodies to present their views in the public sphere, provided that they follow certain practices that allow fair and open debate.
K. S Sidhu
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195326697
- eISBN:
- 9780199864874
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195326697.003.0009
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Systems
Human embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and can produce the entire range of major somatic cell lineage of the central nervous system and thus form an important source for cell-based therapy of ...
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Human embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and can produce the entire range of major somatic cell lineage of the central nervous system and thus form an important source for cell-based therapy of various neurological diseases. Despite their potential use in regenerative medicine, the progress is hampered by difficulty in their use because of safety issues and lack of proper protocols to obtain purified populations of specified neuronal cells. Most neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury and Parkinson's disease involve damages to projection neurons. Similarly, certain cell populations may be depleted after repeated episodes of attacks such as the myelinating oligodendrocytes in multiple sclerosis. Motoneurons are the key effector cell type for control of motor function, and loss of motoneurons is associated with a number of debilitating diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy; hence, repair of such neurological conditions may require transplantation with exogenous cells.Less
Human embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and can produce the entire range of major somatic cell lineage of the central nervous system and thus form an important source for cell-based therapy of various neurological diseases. Despite their potential use in regenerative medicine, the progress is hampered by difficulty in their use because of safety issues and lack of proper protocols to obtain purified populations of specified neuronal cells. Most neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury and Parkinson's disease involve damages to projection neurons. Similarly, certain cell populations may be depleted after repeated episodes of attacks such as the myelinating oligodendrocytes in multiple sclerosis. Motoneurons are the key effector cell type for control of motor function, and loss of motoneurons is associated with a number of debilitating diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy; hence, repair of such neurological conditions may require transplantation with exogenous cells.
Bonnie Steinbock
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195341621
- eISBN:
- 9780199897131
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195341621.003.0014
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, Philosophy of Science
Human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research involves the destruction of embryos. On the interest view, embryos lack moral standing, but research that kills embryos is deeply offensive to many people. ...
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Human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research involves the destruction of embryos. On the interest view, embryos lack moral standing, but research that kills embryos is deeply offensive to many people. Moreover, it is claimed that the research is unnecessary because just as much progress can be made using either adult stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells, neither of which involves destroying embryos. Thus, the chapter begins with an in-depth look at the science. The chapter concludes that, while no one can guarantee that the research will pan out, the potential benefit to humanity makes it clearly worth pursuing. However, embryos are not mere stuff. They have moral value and are entitled to a kind of respect, even if not the kind of respect due to persons. We demonstrate respect for embryos by restricting our use of them to important purposes. The chapter argues that it is not disrespectful to create embryos for research, and it is permissible to pay women who donate eggs for research. It then looks at attempts to ban the creation of chimeras and hybrids, arguing that virtually all of the proposed legislation is based on a misunderstanding of the science. The chapter ends with a look at law and policy in the United States and abroad with respect to cloning and stem cell research.Less
Human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research involves the destruction of embryos. On the interest view, embryos lack moral standing, but research that kills embryos is deeply offensive to many people. Moreover, it is claimed that the research is unnecessary because just as much progress can be made using either adult stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells, neither of which involves destroying embryos. Thus, the chapter begins with an in-depth look at the science. The chapter concludes that, while no one can guarantee that the research will pan out, the potential benefit to humanity makes it clearly worth pursuing. However, embryos are not mere stuff. They have moral value and are entitled to a kind of respect, even if not the kind of respect due to persons. We demonstrate respect for embryos by restricting our use of them to important purposes. The chapter argues that it is not disrespectful to create embryos for research, and it is permissible to pay women who donate eggs for research. It then looks at attempts to ban the creation of chimeras and hybrids, arguing that virtually all of the proposed legislation is based on a misunderstanding of the science. The chapter ends with a look at law and policy in the United States and abroad with respect to cloning and stem cell research.
Nigel M. de S. Cameron
David E. Guinn (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195178739
- eISBN:
- 9780199784943
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195178734.003.0015
- Subject:
- Religion, Philosophy of Religion
The series of policy positions of the US administration in the opening years of the “biotech century” in respect to cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the patenting of human embryos offers a ...
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The series of policy positions of the US administration in the opening years of the “biotech century” in respect to cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the patenting of human embryos offers a case study in the development of public policy that, though it has been developed in the context of secular argument, reflects distinctive concerns of Christian theology. Through several events (including the development of mammalian cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer, the pursuit by Bill Clinton's administration of a workaround for congressional bans on embryo research, the UN Franco-German cloning initiative, and concerns over intellectual property claims on human nature), the Bush administration has confronted a series of policy decisions affecting the ethical-legal framework for biotechnology. Though there has been little explicitly Christian reflection within the bioethics community, Christians together with other thinkers have recognized that these questions could determine the scope and course of developments in biotechnology.Less
The series of policy positions of the US administration in the opening years of the “biotech century” in respect to cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the patenting of human embryos offers a case study in the development of public policy that, though it has been developed in the context of secular argument, reflects distinctive concerns of Christian theology. Through several events (including the development of mammalian cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer, the pursuit by Bill Clinton's administration of a workaround for congressional bans on embryo research, the UN Franco-German cloning initiative, and concerns over intellectual property claims on human nature), the Bush administration has confronted a series of policy decisions affecting the ethical-legal framework for biotechnology. Though there has been little explicitly Christian reflection within the bioethics community, Christians together with other thinkers have recognized that these questions could determine the scope and course of developments in biotechnology.
Günter P. Wagner
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691156460
- eISBN:
- 9781400851461
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691156460.003.0009
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter examines the developmental evolution of cell types, the lowest level of biological organization for which questions of identity (that is, cell identity) play a major role. Higher ...
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This chapter examines the developmental evolution of cell types, the lowest level of biological organization for which questions of identity (that is, cell identity) play a major role. Higher organisms consist of functionally specialized cells ranging from muscle cells to liver cells. These cells have been classified according to their function and their phenotype into cell types, such as striped and smooth muscle cells, neurons and glial cells. The chapter discusses the developmental genetics of cell types and reviews examples showing that cell type identity is subscribed by gene regulatory networks, focusing on the role of transcription factors, embryonic stem cells, and mammalian motor neurons in cell fate determination. It also considers the evolutionary origin of cell types and presents case studies of cell typogenesis. It suggests that the evolution of cell types is a critical proving ground for any theory of character identity and homology.Less
This chapter examines the developmental evolution of cell types, the lowest level of biological organization for which questions of identity (that is, cell identity) play a major role. Higher organisms consist of functionally specialized cells ranging from muscle cells to liver cells. These cells have been classified according to their function and their phenotype into cell types, such as striped and smooth muscle cells, neurons and glial cells. The chapter discusses the developmental genetics of cell types and reviews examples showing that cell type identity is subscribed by gene regulatory networks, focusing on the role of transcription factors, embryonic stem cells, and mammalian motor neurons in cell fate determination. It also considers the evolutionary origin of cell types and presents case studies of cell typogenesis. It suggests that the evolution of cell types is a critical proving ground for any theory of character identity and homology.
Katrien Devolder
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- March 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199547999
- eISBN:
- 9780191792038
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199547999.003.0003
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, Moral Philosophy
Chapter 3 investigates the use–derivation distinction. This middle-ground position holds that while deriving embryonic stem cells is always wrong, it can be permissible to use such cells in research ...
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Chapter 3 investigates the use–derivation distinction. This middle-ground position holds that while deriving embryonic stem cells is always wrong, it can be permissible to use such cells in research or therapy. It is first argued that tetraploid complementation technology casts doubt on a necessary assumption underlying this distinction: the assumption that embryonic stem cells are not embryos or their moral equivalents. However, this argument only works if the embryo derives its moral status from its potential to develop into a person. It is then argued that, in any case, by using embryonic stem cells one always encourages embryo destruction in a way that is presumptively wrong. It is concluded that, in absence of any new arguments, we should reject the use–derivation distinction as a sound ethical position. Once one accepts the use of embryonic stem cells, consistency requires that one also accepts embryonic stem cell derivation.Less
Chapter 3 investigates the use–derivation distinction. This middle-ground position holds that while deriving embryonic stem cells is always wrong, it can be permissible to use such cells in research or therapy. It is first argued that tetraploid complementation technology casts doubt on a necessary assumption underlying this distinction: the assumption that embryonic stem cells are not embryos or their moral equivalents. However, this argument only works if the embryo derives its moral status from its potential to develop into a person. It is then argued that, in any case, by using embryonic stem cells one always encourages embryo destruction in a way that is presumptively wrong. It is concluded that, in absence of any new arguments, we should reject the use–derivation distinction as a sound ethical position. Once one accepts the use of embryonic stem cells, consistency requires that one also accepts embryonic stem cell derivation.
Katrien Devolder
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- March 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199547999
- eISBN:
- 9780191792038
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199547999.003.0004
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, Moral Philosophy
Chapter 4 discusses several proposals for obtaining embryonic stem cells, or their functional equivalents, without harming embryos: the use of organismically dead embryos, blastomere biopsy, the ...
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Chapter 4 discusses several proposals for obtaining embryonic stem cells, or their functional equivalents, without harming embryos: the use of organismically dead embryos, blastomere biopsy, the blastocyst transfer method, altered nuclear transfer, oocyte assisted reprogramming, and parthenogenesis. It is argued that these techniques involve harming embryos, or rely on practices that do so. It is shown that induced pluripotent stem cell research cannot offer a fully satisfactory solution either, as it indirectly encourages embryonic stem cell research, and, thus, embryo destruction. In addition, it is shown that the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells to become a person is similar to that of embryos, rendering research with these cells problematic for those adhering to the potentiality argument. It is concluded that the position holding that it is permissible to apply one of the technical solutions but impermissible to conduct embryonic stem cell research is inconsistent.Less
Chapter 4 discusses several proposals for obtaining embryonic stem cells, or their functional equivalents, without harming embryos: the use of organismically dead embryos, blastomere biopsy, the blastocyst transfer method, altered nuclear transfer, oocyte assisted reprogramming, and parthenogenesis. It is argued that these techniques involve harming embryos, or rely on practices that do so. It is shown that induced pluripotent stem cell research cannot offer a fully satisfactory solution either, as it indirectly encourages embryonic stem cell research, and, thus, embryo destruction. In addition, it is shown that the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells to become a person is similar to that of embryos, rendering research with these cells problematic for those adhering to the potentiality argument. It is concluded that the position holding that it is permissible to apply one of the technical solutions but impermissible to conduct embryonic stem cell research is inconsistent.
Thomas Banchoff
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801449574
- eISBN:
- 9780801460593
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801449574.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Public Policy
This chapter tracks the path of stem cell research that culminated in the isolation of human embryonic stem cells in 1998 and the prospect of therapeutic cloning. It then charts the rise of an ethic ...
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This chapter tracks the path of stem cell research that culminated in the isolation of human embryonic stem cells in 1998 and the prospect of therapeutic cloning. It then charts the rise of an ethic of healing in the field of bioethics, across religious communities, and among public intellectuals in the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany, setting out the main arguments that would be seized on by proresearch scientific, medical, biotechnology, and patient-advocacy organizations. A final section looks to the work of national ethics committees in articulating the major arguments and making recommendations that set the stage for new policy and political struggles into the first decade of the twenty-first century.Less
This chapter tracks the path of stem cell research that culminated in the isolation of human embryonic stem cells in 1998 and the prospect of therapeutic cloning. It then charts the rise of an ethic of healing in the field of bioethics, across religious communities, and among public intellectuals in the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany, setting out the main arguments that would be seized on by proresearch scientific, medical, biotechnology, and patient-advocacy organizations. A final section looks to the work of national ethics committees in articulating the major arguments and making recommendations that set the stage for new policy and political struggles into the first decade of the twenty-first century.
Katarzyna A. Trzaska, Steven J. Greco, Lisamarie Moore, and Pranela Rameshwar
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195326697
- eISBN:
- 9780199864874
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195326697.003.0008
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Systems
Stem cells hold vast therapeutic potential in facilitating the treatment of many diseases with high mortality. Central to the advancement in stem cell therapy is a fundamental understanding of the ...
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Stem cells hold vast therapeutic potential in facilitating the treatment of many diseases with high mortality. Central to the advancement in stem cell therapy is a fundamental understanding of the basic biology. Currently, the rapidly growing field of stem cell research sees a dividing line between proponents of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and those of adult stem cells (ASCs). While ESCs offer a tremendous potential to generate any tissue within the body, there are questions regarding their stability, with the fear of tumorigenesis and ethical concerns. ASCs are found within most organs. The harvesting of a few cells within an organ does not affect the functions of the organ, thereby circumventing the ethical qualms associated with ESCs. However, ASCs raise questions regarding their potential to form varied tissues and their isolation from living organs. Recent reports have shown the ability of ASCs to generate tissues of germ layers other than their own. This cellular plasticity has wrought excitement, as well as skepticism, within the field.Less
Stem cells hold vast therapeutic potential in facilitating the treatment of many diseases with high mortality. Central to the advancement in stem cell therapy is a fundamental understanding of the basic biology. Currently, the rapidly growing field of stem cell research sees a dividing line between proponents of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and those of adult stem cells (ASCs). While ESCs offer a tremendous potential to generate any tissue within the body, there are questions regarding their stability, with the fear of tumorigenesis and ethical concerns. ASCs are found within most organs. The harvesting of a few cells within an organ does not affect the functions of the organ, thereby circumventing the ethical qualms associated with ESCs. However, ASCs raise questions regarding their potential to form varied tissues and their isolation from living organs. Recent reports have shown the ability of ASCs to generate tissues of germ layers other than their own. This cellular plasticity has wrought excitement, as well as skepticism, within the field.
Thomas Banchoff
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801449574
- eISBN:
- 9780801460593
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801449574.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, Public Policy
This chapter discusses embryo politics in United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany that emerged from the twin cloning and embryonic stem cell breakthroughs of 1997–98. The promise of a new ...
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This chapter discusses embryo politics in United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany that emerged from the twin cloning and embryonic stem cell breakthroughs of 1997–98. The promise of a new era of regenerative medicine reframed old debates about the moral status of the embryo and the importance of biomedical advances. It also captured the public imagination and with it the attention of their elected political leaders. On both sides of the Atlantic political battles erupted around how to remake, or at least adapt, the policy regimes forged in an earlier era. The rise of an ethic of healing intersected with electoral politics, interest group mobilization, and existing institutions to drive divergent policy outcomes.Less
This chapter discusses embryo politics in United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany that emerged from the twin cloning and embryonic stem cell breakthroughs of 1997–98. The promise of a new era of regenerative medicine reframed old debates about the moral status of the embryo and the importance of biomedical advances. It also captured the public imagination and with it the attention of their elected political leaders. On both sides of the Atlantic political battles erupted around how to remake, or at least adapt, the policy regimes forged in an earlier era. The rise of an ethic of healing intersected with electoral politics, interest group mobilization, and existing institutions to drive divergent policy outcomes.
Adil E. Shamoo and David B. Resnik
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195368246
- eISBN:
- 9780199867615
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195368246.003.0014
- Subject:
- Biology, Disease Ecology / Epidemiology, Biochemistry / Molecular Biology
This chapter provides an overview of ethical, social, and policy issues related to research on human genetics and embryonic stem cells. It covers such topics as genetic engineering of animals and ...
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This chapter provides an overview of ethical, social, and policy issues related to research on human genetics and embryonic stem cells. It covers such topics as genetic engineering of animals and plants; genetic testing, privacy, and discrimination; storage of genetic samples, returning research results to subjects; family genetic testing; somatic gene therapy; germ line manipulation; intellectual property concerns; embryonic stem cell research; and cloning.Less
This chapter provides an overview of ethical, social, and policy issues related to research on human genetics and embryonic stem cells. It covers such topics as genetic engineering of animals and plants; genetic testing, privacy, and discrimination; storage of genetic samples, returning research results to subjects; family genetic testing; somatic gene therapy; germ line manipulation; intellectual property concerns; embryonic stem cell research; and cloning.
Sheldon Krimsky
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231167482
- eISBN:
- 9780231539401
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231167482.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Bioethics
“Stem cells” have become linked with both new frontiers in medical science and political and ethical controversy. The field, along with the emerging area of regenerative medicine, is creating the ...
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“Stem cells” have become linked with both new frontiers in medical science and political and ethical controversy. The field, along with the emerging area of regenerative medicine, is creating the conditions for a time when damaged tissue and organs might be repaired through personalized cell therapy as easily as the body repairs itself, therefore revolutionizing the treatment of numerous diseases. Yet to obtain human embryonic stem cells, scientists must destroy human embryos—a prospect that has provoked intense reactions among the American public. Addressing the moral and ethical issues of stem cell research while also educating readers about the biological function and medical applications of these cells, this book features fictional characters engaging in compelling inquiry and debate. Participants investigate the scientific, political, and socio-ethical dimensions of stem cell science using actual language, analysis, and arguments taken from scientific, philosophical, and popular literature. Each dialogue centers on a specific, recognizable topic, such as the policies implemented by the George W. Bush administration restricting the use of embryonic stem cells; the potential role of stem cells in personalized medicine; the ethics of cloning; and the sale of eggs and embryos. Additionally, speakers debate the use of stem cells to treat paralysis, diabetes, stroke effects, macular degeneration, and cancer.Less
“Stem cells” have become linked with both new frontiers in medical science and political and ethical controversy. The field, along with the emerging area of regenerative medicine, is creating the conditions for a time when damaged tissue and organs might be repaired through personalized cell therapy as easily as the body repairs itself, therefore revolutionizing the treatment of numerous diseases. Yet to obtain human embryonic stem cells, scientists must destroy human embryos—a prospect that has provoked intense reactions among the American public. Addressing the moral and ethical issues of stem cell research while also educating readers about the biological function and medical applications of these cells, this book features fictional characters engaging in compelling inquiry and debate. Participants investigate the scientific, political, and socio-ethical dimensions of stem cell science using actual language, analysis, and arguments taken from scientific, philosophical, and popular literature. Each dialogue centers on a specific, recognizable topic, such as the policies implemented by the George W. Bush administration restricting the use of embryonic stem cells; the potential role of stem cells in personalized medicine; the ethics of cloning; and the sale of eggs and embryos. Additionally, speakers debate the use of stem cells to treat paralysis, diabetes, stroke effects, macular degeneration, and cancer.
Mary Briody Mahowald
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195176179
- eISBN:
- 9780199786558
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195176170.003.0013
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Feminist Philosophy
Cases illustrating the exclusion of women in biomedical research, experimental treatment and maternal fetal surgery, human reproductive cloning, and embryonic stem cell research are presented. For ...
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Cases illustrating the exclusion of women in biomedical research, experimental treatment and maternal fetal surgery, human reproductive cloning, and embryonic stem cell research are presented. For each topic, empirical and theoretical factors are discussed from an “egalitarian perspective” that imputes privileged status to the standpoint of those who are “nondominant”. Implications of different positions about moral status of embryos and fetuses, and about people born with disabilities are also considered.Less
Cases illustrating the exclusion of women in biomedical research, experimental treatment and maternal fetal surgery, human reproductive cloning, and embryonic stem cell research are presented. For each topic, empirical and theoretical factors are discussed from an “egalitarian perspective” that imputes privileged status to the standpoint of those who are “nondominant”. Implications of different positions about moral status of embryos and fetuses, and about people born with disabilities are also considered.
Daniel Callahan
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199931378
- eISBN:
- 9780199980598
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199931378.003.0016
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
The advent of embryonic cell research in the late 1990s generated enormous controversy, pitting research advocates against those who believe it unethical to destroy embryos to harvest stem cells. ...
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The advent of embryonic cell research in the late 1990s generated enormous controversy, pitting research advocates against those who believe it unethical to destroy embryos to harvest stem cells. The research advocacy cause was fueled by enthusiastic claims of the potential lives to be saved by the research, and how wrong it would be to deny clinical access to its millions of possible beneficiaries. This chapter examines that campaign, noting the way it has followed a classical script, originated after WWII, to gain federal research funds. It also notes that the National Institutes of Health is already spending billions of dollars each year in pursuit of cures for the very same conditions that would be the target of embryonic research. Thus, it cannot be said those conditions are being neglected. At issue is what this chapter calls “the research imperative,” that of a supposed moral obligation to pursue medical research. Research is a good, not an imperative. If the moral standing of embryos is weak, the moral standing of research is even weaker.Less
The advent of embryonic cell research in the late 1990s generated enormous controversy, pitting research advocates against those who believe it unethical to destroy embryos to harvest stem cells. The research advocacy cause was fueled by enthusiastic claims of the potential lives to be saved by the research, and how wrong it would be to deny clinical access to its millions of possible beneficiaries. This chapter examines that campaign, noting the way it has followed a classical script, originated after WWII, to gain federal research funds. It also notes that the National Institutes of Health is already spending billions of dollars each year in pursuit of cures for the very same conditions that would be the target of embryonic research. Thus, it cannot be said those conditions are being neglected. At issue is what this chapter calls “the research imperative,” that of a supposed moral obligation to pursue medical research. Research is a good, not an imperative. If the moral standing of embryos is weak, the moral standing of research is even weaker.
Sheldon Krimsky
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231167482
- eISBN:
- 9780231539401
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231167482.003.0002
- Subject:
- Biology, Bioethics
In this dialogue, Dr. Charles Walker, a stem cell biologist, and Dr. Rebecca Franklin are having a conversation about how stem cells differ from other cells. Walker is one of the nation's pioneers in ...
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In this dialogue, Dr. Charles Walker, a stem cell biologist, and Dr. Rebecca Franklin are having a conversation about how stem cells differ from other cells. Walker is one of the nation's pioneers in isolating, activating, and delivering embryonic stem cells to tissues in rodents. Franklin received her master's degree in bioethics and before she started her own career in stem cell research, she interviewed Walker in his laboratory for an article she was planning to write for a general audience, like her father who is suffering from thoracic spinal cord injury. Here they talk about blood stem cells; how scientists distinguish the different types of stem cells; the distinction between totipotent, pluripotent, and multipotent stem cells; how stem cells can replace diseased, damaged, or abnormal cells; stem cell signaling; and the health risks that arise when the stem cells are used to treat human disease, citing the case of bone marrow transplants involving hematopoietic stem cells.Less
In this dialogue, Dr. Charles Walker, a stem cell biologist, and Dr. Rebecca Franklin are having a conversation about how stem cells differ from other cells. Walker is one of the nation's pioneers in isolating, activating, and delivering embryonic stem cells to tissues in rodents. Franklin received her master's degree in bioethics and before she started her own career in stem cell research, she interviewed Walker in his laboratory for an article she was planning to write for a general audience, like her father who is suffering from thoracic spinal cord injury. Here they talk about blood stem cells; how scientists distinguish the different types of stem cells; the distinction between totipotent, pluripotent, and multipotent stem cells; how stem cells can replace diseased, damaged, or abnormal cells; stem cell signaling; and the health risks that arise when the stem cells are used to treat human disease, citing the case of bone marrow transplants involving hematopoietic stem cells.
Sheldon Krimsky
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231167482
- eISBN:
- 9780231539401
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231167482.003.0012
- Subject:
- Biology, Bioethics
In this dialogue, Dr. Rebecca Franklin and Dr. Frederick Jones, a stem cell biologist, discuss the prospects of cell reprogramming for producing therapeutic stem cells. The process of reprogramming ...
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In this dialogue, Dr. Rebecca Franklin and Dr. Frederick Jones, a stem cell biologist, discuss the prospects of cell reprogramming for producing therapeutic stem cells. The process of reprogramming an adult cell to its pluripotent stem cell origins, sometimes referred to as “dedifferentiation,” creates what are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The first evidence of this type of reprogramming from mouse cells was provided by Shinya Yamanaka and his colleagues at Kyoto University in Japan in 2006. Jones has invested considerable time reprogramming somatic cells to make them into embryonic stem cell-like cells (pluripotency). Franklin questions him about reversing the development of a differentiated cell, drawing on her knowledge of epigenetics and cellular biology. Here they talk about the possibilities for creating iPSCs from somatic cells that are more like their embryonic counterparts; oncogene expression and tumorigenesis in embryonic stem cells; and roadblocks to regenerative medicine involving iPSCs.Less
In this dialogue, Dr. Rebecca Franklin and Dr. Frederick Jones, a stem cell biologist, discuss the prospects of cell reprogramming for producing therapeutic stem cells. The process of reprogramming an adult cell to its pluripotent stem cell origins, sometimes referred to as “dedifferentiation,” creates what are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The first evidence of this type of reprogramming from mouse cells was provided by Shinya Yamanaka and his colleagues at Kyoto University in Japan in 2006. Jones has invested considerable time reprogramming somatic cells to make them into embryonic stem cell-like cells (pluripotency). Franklin questions him about reversing the development of a differentiated cell, drawing on her knowledge of epigenetics and cellular biology. Here they talk about the possibilities for creating iPSCs from somatic cells that are more like their embryonic counterparts; oncogene expression and tumorigenesis in embryonic stem cells; and roadblocks to regenerative medicine involving iPSCs.
Ciara Staunton
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780719099465
- eISBN:
- 9781526104410
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719099465.003.0011
- Subject:
- Sociology, Culture
This chapter discusses the legal and ethical issues that arise in regulating embryonic stem cell research in Ireland. It outlines three approaches Irish policy makers may take to the difficult ...
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This chapter discusses the legal and ethical issues that arise in regulating embryonic stem cell research in Ireland. It outlines three approaches Irish policy makers may take to the difficult ethical debate: a restrictive approach, a permissive approach or an intermediate approach. The chapter analyses the current status of embryonic stem cell research in Ireland. It argues that although the Irish courts seem to support the intermediate approach, the lack of legislative guidance has left the embryo without legal protection. The chapter advocates a national discussion on the status of the embryo in order to develop a regulatory framework that both protects the embryo and accommodates embryonic stem cell research.Less
This chapter discusses the legal and ethical issues that arise in regulating embryonic stem cell research in Ireland. It outlines three approaches Irish policy makers may take to the difficult ethical debate: a restrictive approach, a permissive approach or an intermediate approach. The chapter analyses the current status of embryonic stem cell research in Ireland. It argues that although the Irish courts seem to support the intermediate approach, the lack of legislative guidance has left the embryo without legal protection. The chapter advocates a national discussion on the status of the embryo in order to develop a regulatory framework that both protects the embryo and accommodates embryonic stem cell research.
Sheldon Krimsky
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231167482
- eISBN:
- 9780231539401
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231167482.003.0007
- Subject:
- Biology, Bioethics
In this dialogue, Dr. Rebecca Franklin and Catholic bioethicist Paul Flannery discuss the alternatives to destroying human embryos in order to acquire pluripotent stem cells. After President George ...
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In this dialogue, Dr. Rebecca Franklin and Catholic bioethicist Paul Flannery discuss the alternatives to destroying human embryos in order to acquire pluripotent stem cells. After President George W. Bush prohibited the use of public funds for embryo stem cell research, there remained deep divisions in public opinion on the issue of destroying embryos for harvesting embryonic stem cells. Some scientists became uncomfortable in their complicity with embryocide. In seeking alternatives, they considered working on deactivated embryos, in which critical genes had been removed to render the embryo incapable of implanting in the uterine wall. Flannery has been advocating against the use of live embryos. Franklin challenges his view and proposes keeping all research opportunities open to scientists, a policy she refers to as “stem cell pluralism.” Here they talk about the promise of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as an approach to stem cell development beyond the use of embryos; other methods of cell reprogramming; and the idea of creating an embryonic-like stem cell from a somatic cell.Less
In this dialogue, Dr. Rebecca Franklin and Catholic bioethicist Paul Flannery discuss the alternatives to destroying human embryos in order to acquire pluripotent stem cells. After President George W. Bush prohibited the use of public funds for embryo stem cell research, there remained deep divisions in public opinion on the issue of destroying embryos for harvesting embryonic stem cells. Some scientists became uncomfortable in their complicity with embryocide. In seeking alternatives, they considered working on deactivated embryos, in which critical genes had been removed to render the embryo incapable of implanting in the uterine wall. Flannery has been advocating against the use of live embryos. Franklin challenges his view and proposes keeping all research opportunities open to scientists, a policy she refers to as “stem cell pluralism.” Here they talk about the promise of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as an approach to stem cell development beyond the use of embryos; other methods of cell reprogramming; and the idea of creating an embryonic-like stem cell from a somatic cell.
David B. Resnik
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195375893
- eISBN:
- 9780199866632
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195375893.003.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This chapter provides an introduction to the primary topics addressed in the book: scientific autonomy/independence and government oversight. It gives an overview of the relationship between science ...
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This chapter provides an introduction to the primary topics addressed in the book: scientific autonomy/independence and government oversight. It gives an overview of the relationship between science and politics and describes some cases involving the politicalization of science, such as global climate change, embryonic stem cell research, Food and Drug Administration approvals, and peer review of research proposals. It also outlines the plan for the book.Less
This chapter provides an introduction to the primary topics addressed in the book: scientific autonomy/independence and government oversight. It gives an overview of the relationship between science and politics and describes some cases involving the politicalization of science, such as global climate change, embryonic stem cell research, Food and Drug Administration approvals, and peer review of research proposals. It also outlines the plan for the book.
Shobita Parthasarathy
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780226437859
- eISBN:
- 9780226437996
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226437996.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
This chapter focuses on patents covering human embryonic stem cells in the United States and Europe. In both places, human embryonic stem cell research is very controversial; anti-abortion activists ...
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This chapter focuses on patents covering human embryonic stem cells in the United States and Europe. In both places, human embryonic stem cell research is very controversial; anti-abortion activists argue that the human embryo destruction required to produce human embryonic stem cells is morally unacceptable. Given this context, it is easy to assume that the two jurisdictions might handle these patents the same way, or at least that their discussions over the matter would be similar. To the contrary. This chapter demonstrates that by the 2000s, when the human embryonic stem cell debates began, the US and European patent systems had rather different political environments. They were focused on different kinds of concerns and included different experts and stakeholders. The debates were also framed differently. In the United States, the main issue was whether human embryonic stem cell patents stifled innovation, challenging the central logic of the patent system. Academic scientists became the main stakeholders. But in Europe, life, its commodification, and human dignity were still the main concerns. And civil society groups such as No Patents on Life and Greenpeace had become central, stable watchdogs in the European patent system.Less
This chapter focuses on patents covering human embryonic stem cells in the United States and Europe. In both places, human embryonic stem cell research is very controversial; anti-abortion activists argue that the human embryo destruction required to produce human embryonic stem cells is morally unacceptable. Given this context, it is easy to assume that the two jurisdictions might handle these patents the same way, or at least that their discussions over the matter would be similar. To the contrary. This chapter demonstrates that by the 2000s, when the human embryonic stem cell debates began, the US and European patent systems had rather different political environments. They were focused on different kinds of concerns and included different experts and stakeholders. The debates were also framed differently. In the United States, the main issue was whether human embryonic stem cell patents stifled innovation, challenging the central logic of the patent system. Academic scientists became the main stakeholders. But in Europe, life, its commodification, and human dignity were still the main concerns. And civil society groups such as No Patents on Life and Greenpeace had become central, stable watchdogs in the European patent system.
