Stem Cell Research, Morals and Religion

[hareem01]

Re: Stem Cell Research, Morals and Religion

@Enigmatic

I remember IceSoul when we were on this other thread I talked about elective abortion being unethical IMO unless there were some serious health issues related with the fetus or the mother. I used the word ‘fetus’ and not the embryo.

We all know that the embryos are the source of stem cells scientists are using for research as they are undifferentiated and have the ability to differentiate into various kinds of cells/tissues like neurons, nephrons etc etc. Now one could argue that by taking these stem cells from an embryo is potentially destroying it. However:

1. The embryos used are the ones which are in the research labs and not *inside *the womb (out of the excess left after attempting in vitro fertilization). Now they would be discarded eventually if not transferred in utero. Using them for betterment of the humanity shouldn’t be wrong.

2. Techincally and biologically an embryo’s heart doesn’t even start beating till day 28. Before that it’s just a ball of maturing and dividing cells. So it’s not an independent living entity. But after 8 weeks when organogenesis has taken place then it becomes a fetus ‘a living soul inside’ human body.

A very intricate subject though. But what I mentioned above is my opinion and thus my support for it .

you just solved the age-old mystery. lol