Article Text
PDFHuman embryonic stem cells and respect for life
Abstract
The purpose of this essay is to stimulate academic discussion about the ethical justification of using human primordial stem cells for tissue transplantation, cell replacement, and gene therapy. There are intriguing alternatives to using embryos obtained from elective abortions and in vitro fertilisation to reconstitute damaged or dysfunctional human organs. These include the expansion and transplantation of latent adult progenitor cells.
- Primordial stem cell research
- embryonic stem cells
- pluripotent stem cells
- embryo research
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Footnotes
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The Rev John R Meyer, MS, STD, is a priest of the Opus Dei Prelature, currently living in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, California, USA.
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