Regarding this type of research, I take the utilitarian perspective. Stem cell research is very beneficial for everyone. The research could save many lives and improve the quality of many others. Embryonic stem cells have shown to be the most valuable as they contain the ability to morph into any type of cell during their formation. “Human embryonic stem cells are characterized by their capacity for self-renewal and their ability to differentiate into all types of cells of the body” (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). This makes them a great candidate for battling sufferable diseases. The ultimate goal of this “research is to identify the mechanisms that govern cell differentiation and to turn human embryonic stem cells into specific cell types that can be used for treating debilitating and life-threatening diseases and injuries.” Permitting stem cell research and use allows people to have a longer life and a better quality of life. It causes the most good for the most number of people, therefore should be permitted.
John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham would agree with my standpoint on this issue. However, Immanuel Kant and John Locke would not. Kantian and Locke beliefs involve “doing one’s duty” and “respecting rights, obey nature” (Internet Encyclopedia of Ethics). Permitting stem cell research on embryonic cells and fetuses that are marked for destruction goes directly against obeying nature and obeying God. The idea of not interfering with others comes into play because using these stem cells impacts everyone, directly or indirectly. The consequentialist perspective, that of Mill and Bentham, permits the use of left over embryos and aborted fetuses for research because it benefits the majority and causes the overall most good. However, the opposing view of Kant and Locke state that this type of research would go directly against the will of nature and the will of God.
Now that is decided, ironing out what is acceptable and what is not is much more difficult. The government should regulate this type of research as it is new and there is much room for unethical practices. Bioethical medical practices will need to be implemented to regulate this research. Embryos should not be raised for research purposes because it is just like raising cattle for slaughter. On this point, Kantian views do make more sense. Human life is much for valuable than that. This is a practice that will shock the world and is not acceptable by classical and modern ethical standards. However, the use of aborted fetuses and leftover embryos from fertility clinics should be used for this research. These cells are going to be destroyed anyway, so using them to improve the quality of life for others is ethical. They have already been created and are marked for destruction. Using these cells to benefit others through research is ethical using the consequentialist perspective. .
References:
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. “Consequentialism.” March 24, 2006. Internet:
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. “Ethics of Stem Cell Research.” April 25,
