Embryo Ethics: The Morality Side of the Advancements in Stem Cells Technologies - Essay Example

The ectoderm which consists of either neural or squamous epithelium forms part of these cells (Thomson, Itskovitzeldor, & Shapiro, 2005). Research conducted on these cells through culturing and subculturing has yielded some tremendous results. There were hopes that the application of this technology would lead to new and safer ways of treating some serious diseases such as cancerous infections. The employment of this technology in the scientific and biotechnological spheres has attracted attention from conservative lobby groups and critics who have raised concerns on the technology.

The criticisms have been raised on the ethical uprightness of the entire process. In addition, there are critics who question the principles of science applied in the process. Both the proponents and the opponents of the use of the technology share a common aspect in that there ought to be some limits placed on the use of a human embryo. Most of those holding the principle-based view argue on the grounds of religion. Christianity appreciates life as it is; the appreciation of this life begins not only when a baby is born but with the copulation and fertilization of the ova.

Any activity that is carried out by an outside force that would result in the loss of the life conceived in the womb is disapproved of. Furthermore, the religion believes in one all-powerful being and that is God. God is the all-knowing being and His creation ought to remain as they were. These researches are viewed by those sharing this view as a way of restructuring God’s work. Therefore, in most of these researches, the religious norms are usually of opposing views. The research should be carried out in conformity with the religious principles which guide human existence.

Consequentialism is the view that morality is all about producing the right kind of overall consequences. This is to mean that whichever action that one believes is morally upright, one should seek to undertake should yield positive effects. From this view, the action does not matter much provided it is one that a person’s conscience is clear with. What is of importance are the consequences of the action. In most cases, the consequence of the action should always give forth to joy and comfort.

Those who ascribe to this view do not oppose stem cell research. They believe that the consequences of the research are of more importance to human life and aim to make life better and easier. All that they call for is a little more reasonable in the entire process. They hold that any person who decides to take part in the research should be counseled in view of the effects of the research explained to them. They should be made aware of the possible negative effects of the research. In so doing, they would have an informed opinion on the possible consequences of their research.

From an ethical concern, the use of human embryo is a violation of human rights. From the very point that gametes meet, life is formed. It is, therefore, an imbalance to nature when the rights to life of these embryos are taken to laboratories and used to come up with cells other than the human that was expected within a nine months period. It is, thus, morally unacceptable to carry out research on a living human with its own identity. After conception, any activity carried out on the embryo that contravenes the life of the very embryo is an act which violates the right to life.