The Moral Permissibility of Embryonic Stem Cells

 

Through researching on what is deemed morally permissible within the healthcare system, one issue that raises ethical concern is embryonic stem cell research. The studies conducted on embryonic stem cells offer potential opportunities for new effective treatments, but the conduct of this research tests two moral principles: the obligation to prevent or alleviate suffering and duty to respect the value of human life. Embryonic stem cells are composed of cells found in the human blastula, one of the early stages of human life; therefore, the early embryo has to be destroyed for cell collection. With the collection of these cells, it's impossible to protect both principles. One value will be compromised in light of this research leading to debate on its significance based on the moral conflict. This leads to people discussing the value of protecting potential life in contrast to potential medical treatment to serve current lives, and which has a paramount significance. Some view destroying a blastula equates to destroying an unborn child while others feel that using cells from blastula is not unethical since blastula cannot develop into a child unless its embedded into a uterus wall. The difficulty of this moral issue is that both sides considered life, but hold different perspectives on which life takes precedent. This debate involves the rights of children and the responsibility is placed in the hands of researchers and public opinion.