The stem cell controversy : debating the issues / edited by Michael Ruse & Christopher A. Pynes.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Ruse, Michael.

Pynes, Christopher A., 1970-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Stem cells--Research--Moral and ethical aspects.

Stem cells.

Physical Description:

308 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Amherst, N.Y. : Prometheus Books, 2003.

Summary:

Recent advances in medical research have shown that embryonic stem cells can be used to treat some of the most debilitating diseases, notably Parkinson's disease, spinal injuries, and nerve cell damage. Yet the troubling ethical downside of this promising technology is that up till now the main source of stem cells has been tissue taken from aborted fetuses. This practice has raised sharp criticisms from opponents of abortion who charge that science is capitalizing on an abhorrent procedure. Proponents of stem cell research argue that scientists are making legitimate use of already aborted fetuses and it is unfair to deprive those suffering from serious diseases and injuries of a potentially revolutionary therapy. The issue became so divisive that in August 2001, President Bush addressed the nation on new developments in stem cell research and the ethical dilemmas this technology poses. Should such research be permitted? What, if any, moral, religious, or political objections might be raised? Philosophers Michael Ruse and Christopher A. Pynes have compiled this valuable collection of articles by noted experts to address all aspects of this question by examining one of today's most challenging and fiercely debated new areas of science. They explain the scientific research, explore the medical promise that it offers, and present the many sides of the ethical, religious, and policy debate. The contributors -- scientists, medical practitioners, philosophers, theologians, historians, and policy analysts -- offer a variety of perspectives, to give readers the critical tools they need to shape an informed position on the topic. This important resource will be useful and accessible to educated readers with no prior knowledge of this contentious issue.

Contents:

President George W. Bush on Stem Cell Research 9

Part 1. The Science of Stem Cells

1. Stem Cells: A Primer / National Institutes of Health 25

2. The Language Really Matters / Jane Maienschein 35

3. Can Old Cells Learn New Tricks? / Gretchen Vogel 53

4. Adult Stem Cells

A Positive Perspective / Sidney Houff 59

5. "Parthenotes" Expand the Debate on Stem Cells / Rick Weiss 63

Part 2. Medical Cures and Promises

6. Paralyzed Mouse Walks Again as Scientists Fight Stem Cell Ban / Katty Kay, Mark Henderson 71

7. 60 Minutes II, Holy Grail / Carol Marin 75

8. Human Stem Cell Research and the Potential for Clinical Application / National Bioethics Advisory Commission 81

9. Fetal Neuron Grafts Pave the Way for Stem Cell Therapies / Marcia Barinaga 91

Part 3. Moral Issues

10. The Stem Cell Slide: Be Alert to the Beginnings of Evil / Michael Novak 101

11. Research with Human Embryonic Stem Cells: Ethical Considerations / Geron Ethics Advisory Board 107

12. Ethics and Policy in Embryonic Stem Cell Research / John A. Robertson 121

13. The Ethics and Politics of Small Sacrifices in Stem Cell Research / Glenn McGee, Arthur Caplan 151

Part 4. Religious Issues

14. Testimony of Nathan Salley / Nathan Salley 163

15. Patients' Voices: The Powerful Sound in the Stem Cell Debate / Daniel Perry 167

16. Testimony of Ronald Cole-Turner / Ronald Cole-Turner 173

17. Testimony of Father Demetrios Demopulos / Demetrios Demopulos 179

18. Stem Cells and the Catholic Church / Aline H. Kalbian 183

19. Testimony of Rabbi Elliot N. Dorff / Elliot N. Dorff 195

20. Testimony of Abdulaziz Sachedina / Abdulaziz Sachedina 201

Part 5. Policy Issues

21. A Time for Restraint / Frank E. Young 213

22. The Politics and Ethics of Human Embryo and Stem Cell Research / Kenneth J. Ryan 217

23. Ethical Issues in Human Stem Cell Research: Conclusions and Recommendations / National Bioethics Advisory Commission 227

24. The Basics about Stem Cells / Maureen L. Condic 261

25. Locating Convergence: Ethics, Public Policy, and Human Stem Cell Research / Andrew W. Siegel 271.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (page 289).

ISBN:

1591020301

OCLC:

51607245