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WHAT ARE SOME ISSUES IN STEM CELL RESEARCH?

Recent advances in stem cell research have propelled the field forward, leaving the materials we created in 2002 out of date. For a fresh look at the frontier of stem cell science visit our updated activities.

WHAT ARE SOME ISSUES IN STEM CELL RESEARCH?

What does stem cell research mean in my world?

New technologies have jump-started the pace of stem cell discovery in recent years. Stem cell therapies being developed today will gradually become commonplace in treating our health problems.

But should we accept these new technologies without considering their implications to society? For example, we might hear about the benefits of a stem cell therapy, but what are the risks? All of us - researchers, policymakers and the public - have a responsibility to explore the potential effects of stem cell research on our lives so that we can make informed decisions.

For each new application of stem cell technology, we must consider:

What are the benefits?
What are the risks?
Whom will the technology help? Does it have the potential to hurt anyone?
What does this mean for me? For my family? For others around me?
Why might others not share my view?

Ethical, legal and social issues.

There are several types of issues to consider as we think about stem cell research.

Morals Ethical issues are those that ask us to consider the potential moral outcomes of stem cell technologies.

Legal Legal issues require researchers and the public to help policymakers decide whether and how stem cell technologies should be regulated by the government.

Social issues involve the impact of stem cell technologies on society as a whole.

Some questions to ponder.

The questions raised here have no clear right or wrong answer. Instead, your response will depend on your own set of values, as well as the opinions of those around you.

How far should researchers take stem cell technologies? Just because we can do something, should we? Why or why not?
Should the government provide funding for embryonic stem cell research? Why or why not?
Should there be laws to regulate stem cell research? If so, what would they look like? For example, how would you regulate research using different types of stem cells, such as embryonic, fetal or adult stem cells? What about embryonic stem cells created using cloning technologies?
Do embryonic stem cells represent a human life? This is an ongoing debate that brings up the question of when life begins. Should the embryo or fetus have any rights in the matter? Who has the authority to decide?
Should frozen embryos created through in vitro fertilization be used to create stem cells? Why or why not?

Supported by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) [No. 1 R25 RR16291-01] from the National Center for Research Resources, a component of the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. The contents provided here are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NCRR or NIH.

Some Definitions

eth-i-cal: (adj.) 1. Relating to morals, especially as concerning human conduct. 2. Morally correct.

le-gal: (adj.) 1. Of or based on law. 2. Appointed or required by law. 3. Permitted by law.

so-cial: (adj.) 1. Of or relating to society and its organization. 2. Concerned with the mutual relations of human beings. 3. Living in organized communities.

pol-i-cy: (n.) 1. Course or principle of action adopted or proposed by a government, party, business or individual, etc.

Definitions adapted from the Oxford Desk Dictionary and Thesaurus.

Step Into Someone Else's Shoes!

Would your views be the same if you were a different person? How might they change if you...

had a medical condition that stem cell therapy might someday benefit?
knew a family member or close friend with such a medical condition?
worked as a research scientist?
were a prominent religious leader?
were a policymaker, involved in making laws?

Can you think of other people who would have a special interest in stem cell research? How might their views differ from yours?