The Human Embryonic Stem Cell Debate: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy

Basic Bioethics

by Suzanne Holland (Editor)

Human embryonic stem cells can divide indefinitely and have the potential to develop into many types of tissue. Research on these cells is essential to one of the most intriguing medical frontiers, regenerative medicine. It also raises a host of difficult ethical issues and has sparked great public interest and controversy. This book offers a foundation for thinking about the many issues involved in human embryonic stem cell research. It considers questions about the nature of human life, the limits of intervention into human cells and tissues, and the meaning of our corporeal existence. The fact that stem cells may be derived from living embryos that are destroyed in the process or from aborted fetuses ties the discussion of stem cell research to the ongoing debates on abortion. In addition to these issues, the essays in the book touch on broader questions such as who should approve controversial research and what constitutes human dignity, respect, and justice. The book contains contributions from the Ethics Advisory Board of the Geron Coroporation; excerpts from expert testimony given before the National Bioethics Advisory Commission, which helped shape recent National Institutes of Health policy; and original analytical essays on the implications of this research.

Genres: Science, Politics, Philosophy

Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Havala · Rating 3 out of 5]

Technically I haven't read this whole book.
It does however have different sides to the embryonic stem cell issue: Catholic, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Protestant, feminist, gov't oversight vs private funding, ethical questions, and more. -That's why I bought the book.

Very informative. Helps me see how other people see the issue. I didn't think it was too science heavy, though I can see where it might be boring to some.
I hope to get back to reading this book soon. Will post a full review then.

[Chelsea Reed · Rating 1 out of 5]

Human Embryonic Stem Cells address the social, legal, and ethical debates resulting from the Bush Administration's restriction of the usage. The book focuses on the morals of embryo's being used and how embryonic stem cell use is the result of killing unborn children. Since I'm doing my paper on the advantages of embryonic stem cell research I wanted to read a book that focused on not only the scientific part but also on what is keeping the research from moving forward. Zoloth bring an interesting new look to the issue that will soon change with the Obama Administration.
Zoloth also talks about the amazing potential behind the cells, how they can be used for organ transplants, birth defect and many diseases. One thing I found very interesting was that these stem cells can transform into any type of cell in the body except those needed in the development of a fetus. It amazes me how much we will be able to do in a couple of years when embryonic stem cells are finally used openly at hospitals.