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What is the controversy over embryonic stem cell research?
However, human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research is ethically and politically controversial because it involves the destruction of human embryos. In the United States, the question of when human life begins has been highly controversial and closely linked to debates over abortion.
What are the current US laws regarding embryonic stem cells?
Stem cell research is legal in the United States, however, there are restrictions on its funding and use. Currently, the only stem cells now used to treat disease are from blood cell-forming adult stem cells found in bone marrow.
What states banned stem cell research?
Laws in 31 states regulate research on human embryos and fetal tissue, but only Louisiana (2000) and Michigan (1978) ban the use of human embryos in stem-cell studies.
What are the problems with embryonic stem cells?
Clinical issues Mutations have been observed in stem cells cultured for a number of generations, and some mutated stem cells have been observed to behave like cancer cells. Cultured stem cells could be contaminated with viruses which would be transferred to a patient.
What are drawbacks of embryonic stem cells?
Table 1
| Stem cell type | Limitations | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Embryonic stem cells | (1) Ethical dilemmas (2) Possible immune rejection after implantation (3) Only a small number of differentiated cardiomyoctes can be generated (4) May lead to teratocarcinomas (5) Genetic instability | Can differentiate into cells of all three germ layers |
What countries ban embryonic stem cell research?
Whereas Germany, Austria, Italy, Finland, Ireland, Portugal and the Netherlands prohibit or severely restrict the use of embryonic stem cells, Greece, Sweden, Spain and the United Kingdom have created the legal basis to support this research. Belgium bans reproductive cloning but allows therapeutic cloning of embryos.
What is embryonic stem cell research?
Human embryonic stem cell research: an ethical controversy in the US & Germany Stem cells refer to a broad class of cells with potential for prolonged self-renewal and the potential to differentiate. Human embryonic stem (ES) cells are derived from a fertilized human egg, before it has been implanted into a womb.
What are the ethical issues in stem cell research?
Embryonic stem cell research: an ethical dilemma. Embryonic stem cell research poses a moral dilemma. In the case of embryonic stem cell research, it is impossible to respect both moral principles.To obtain embryonic stem cells, the early embryo has to be destroyed. This means destroying a potential human life.
Is embryonic stem cell research morally justified?
Embryonic stem cell research poses a moral dilemma. In the case of embryonic stem cell research, it is impossible to respect both moral principles.To obtain embryonic stem cells, the early embryo has to be destroyed. This means destroying a potential human life.
Where do embryonic stem cells come from?
Human embryonic stem (ES) cells are derived from a fertilized human egg, before it has been implanted into a womb. Recently published research has used human embryos, produced by … Human embryonic stem cell research: an ethical controversy in the US & Germany Biomed Sci Instrum. 2003;39:567-72. Authors