Amanda Cram, Yesenia Quintana, Tiffany Vo, & Chasity Watchman

Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Human Embryonic Stem Cell (HESC) Research

Is human embryonic stem cell research ethical? PRO: Yes, it is ethical CON: No, it is not ethical

What is a Stem Cell?

“A cell is capable of self-renewing and differentiating into an unlimited number of different cell types”

“Adult” Stem Cells Plasticity: The ability of a cell to cross over its identity from one

organ to another.

Embryonic Stem Cells: obtained from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, early stage of an embryo Pluripotent: produce any cell of the three germ layers

What is the Issue?- needs to get changed

Human embyronic stem cells (HESC) offer hope to alleviate many diseases and injuries. Are able to differentiate into different types of cells of the

body. Can theoretically grow a body organ or treat a disease with

these cells.

The process of extracting and removing HESCs involves making the embryo unsustainable for life by removing its stem cells.

Is killing a single embryo worth saving multiple people?

Pro

Medical Advances Could provide

inexhaustible supply of cells

Organs could be grown “on demand.”

Pro

Cure Present Diseases/Injuries Cancer Parkinson’s Spinal Cord Injuries ALS MS Muscle damage

Pro

Prevent Aging

Con Key Points Killing the embryo eliminates its potential

for further development. Principle of the Right to Life

A person has the right to life and growth at any stage in life

Use stem cells for the common good of saving many lives, but kill the embryo in the process. Principle of Double Effect

An action that is good clashes with “no harm” and evil effects results unintentionally.

Con Key Points

Violates central tenet of not doing harm to a member of the human species for the potential sole benefit of others. Nonmaleficence World Medical Association’s basic principle

states, “Concern for the interest of the subject must always prevail over the interest of science and society” (Brownback, Souder, Hook, & Doerflinger, 2003).

Should do what is best which require a favorable risk-benefit ratio for the embryo. Beneficence The Belmont Report states," Respect for persons

incorporates at least two ethical convictions: first, that individuals should be treated as autonomous agents, and second, that persons with diminished autonomy are entitle to protection” (Napier, 2009).

Influences

Cost More expensive to fund HESC

research than nonembryonic research.

Religion/Culture Immoral “Playing God” Harming another to benefit

another Embryo is considered a life at

moment of conception.

U.S. Legislation

Alternative Methods

Adult Stem Cells More successful and promising May 4, 2001: Can repair cardiac damage Not immoral

According to the National Bioethics Committee: “In our judgment, the derivation of the stem cells

from embryos remaining following fertility treatment is justifiable only if no less morally problematic alternatives are available for advancing the research” (Brownback, Souder, Hook, & Doerflinger, 2003).

Embryonic cells are not as easy to maintain Called “tricky” and “more tedious to

grow” (Brownback, Souder, Hook, & Doerflinger, 2003).

Takes the destruction of many cells in order to produce the few that are wanted Even still, not very successful Experiment with mice and insulin

Mice secreted only 1/50 the normal amount of insulin and still diedNegatives of

Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Nursing and HESC Research

Nursing Code of Ethics

2.2 Conflict of interest for nurses Nurses should disclose to all relevant parties any perceived

conflict of interest and should withdraw (in some cases) from further participation.

3.3 Protection of participants in research Each person has the right to choose whether or not to

participate in research.

Nursing and HESC Research

As future nurses we need to be aware that we are to ensure the best of the patient

Resources

Brownback, S., Souder, M., Hook, C., & Doerflinger, R. M. (2001). Should the U.S. government support embryonic stemcell research? CON. Congressional Digest, 80(10), 234.

Napier, S. (2009). A regulatory argument against human embryonic stem cell research. Journal of Medicine &Philosophy, 34(5), 496-508.

(2009). Medical Ethics: Issues of Life and Death. Pharmaceutical Representative, 39(8), 24-27. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

Ronald C. Sanders Jr, William B. Slayton, Christopher R. Cogle, Robert C. Fisher, Edward W. Scott Paediatric Respiratory Reviews, Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2006, Pages 135-140