Stem Cell Ethics
Ethics
Research on human embryonic stem (ES) cells holds great promise for the treatment of many diseases and conditions. However, research using these cells has generated much public controversy because isolation of human ES cells results in the destruction of preimplanted human embryos that are a few days old. The ethical debate is centered on the question of whether an embryo is a person.
Scientific and technological advances are accompanied by evolving ethical viewpoints. It is important to educate and explore the issues surrounding these developments.
Information on Stem Cell Ethics
Research Ethics and Stem Cells Information and links on stem cell ethics from the National Institutes of Health.
Understanding Stem Cells Developed and published by the National Academy of Sciences, this free booklet (available as a 1.13 MB PDF, 24 pages) provides information on the ethical and legal issues surrounding stem cells.
StemGen Literature Database StemGen’s literature database provides a selective review of peer reviewed articles, book chapters, and monographs concerning the social, ethical and legal aspects of stem cell research. The database includes contemporary literature, published since 2000.
Ethical and Social Issues Surrounding Stem Cell Research Ethics white papers produced by the Canadian Stem Cell Network.
Guidelines for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research was provided by the National Academy of Sciences in 2005.
2007 Amendments to the National Academy’s Guidelines
ISSCR Guidelines for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Written by the International Society for Stem Cell Research, these principles for ES cell research were developed by scientific, ethical and legal experts from 14 countries.
Organizations in Favor of Embryonic Stem Cell Research
American Medical Association 2003 report entitled Cloning-for-Biomedical-Research.
Biotechnology Industry Organization Bioethics brochure entitled There’s More to Biotechnology Than Science and Business.
International Society for Stem Cell Research Resources on the Ethics of Human Stem Cell Research including a bibliography that sets forth the fundamental arguments concerning embryonic stem cell research.
Organizations Opposing Embryonic Stem Cell Research
National Right to Life Committee Statements from NRLC and the White House opposing stem cell research bill.
Do no Harm: Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics News, commentaries and other resources expressing opposition for embryonic stem cell research and support for research using non-embryonic stem cells.