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Question #1 (Chapter 1)
The first viewpoint is that of Thomas A. Shannon. In his definition of human life, he asserts that
using any embryonic stem cells is ethically and morally unacceptable (Wagner, 2008). Any use
of stem cells, even those from extracted already destroyed embryos, would commit an immoral
act. His opinion is directly against research using stem cells as it would implicate the individual
in an evil act. His viewpoints are those of the catholic church that an embryo is accepted as a full
human being at the moment of conception and, therefore, has inherent dignity and value that
should not be compromised in the name of other matters ( Wagner, 2008). In the concept of
cooperation, formal or material researching stem cells in the idea of cooperation is unethical.
The second author, Ronald Lindsay, purports no evidence or persuasive argument that using stem
cells for research equates to murdering an individual. (Wagner, 2008). His contentious debate
assumes that a five-day embryo has no individual identity; it is merely a group of
undifferentiated cells. A person is not a person until they have an identity. This viewpoint is pro-
research in his view. The potential benefits outweigh the negatives.
The third contributor is former President George Bush beginning with his veto of H.R. 810
limiting federal funding for embryonic stem cell research claiming that destroying embryos for
new research lines is immoral and unethical destruction of human life (Wagner, 2008). As the
central policymaker, his viewpoint on the beginning of life starts at conception, which is the
reason, he vetoed the bill.
James Thomson, a veterinarian, and development biologist, was in favor of using embryos to be
discarded, saw this as ethical, and not opposed arguing that patient safety calls for new stem
cells. It is not clear on his thoughts about the beginning of life, but it inferred he is pro-stem cell
research from the reading.
The Domestic Policy Council outlined five alternatives they considered ethical to the destruction
of human embryos. These alternatives were suggested because they assume that human life
begins at conception. They would directly impact stem cell research as an opposing force and
should not be conducted (Wagner,2008).
Daniel McConchie refutes the Domestic Policy Council, indicating that any use, including
alternative sources of stem cells, does not resolve the ethical issues at hand. He believes that an
embryo or equivalent should be afforded living human embryos' protections and status, thus
condemning stem cell research (Wagner, 2008).
The last two contributors were political, suggesting that much oversite is needed, while the latter
does not.
As for my own beliefs, I stand with the church that conception should be the defining point of life.
As said in Exodus 21:22-25 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart
from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's
husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And
if any mischief follows, then thou shalt give life for life. I interpret this passage that even the
unborn child is considered a life and should be afforded all the rights to one.
Question #2.
After reading all the viewpoints, the government should be the sole entity with complete oversight
of scientific research, including oversight committees, to continue vigorously monitoring any
misconduct or violation that may occur. I disagree that President Bush
galvanized scientists in moving faster. The fear of an uncertain future may cause individuals to
take unnecessary risks, which is why I believe oversight is needed. The ultimate goal of
oversight is to safeguard research patients and ensure the research is conducted ethically ( Lo, B.
& O'Connell, 2006).
References
Carroll, R. (2008). Bible-kjv. Oxford University Press, USA.
Lo, B., & O'Connell, M. E. (2006). Ethical considerations for research on housing-related
health hazards involving children. National Academies Press.
Wagner, V. (2008). Biomedical ethics. Greenhaven Press.
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