Essay on Ethical Theories of Embryonic Stem Cells

Researching the future potential of embryonic stem cells is the new hot topic debate in ethics. The moral objections from two opposing sides clash in a political and ethical battle of who is correct. Each faction tries to define the classification of what deserves unalienable human rights. Likewise, determining what is classified as human behavior such as sentiment, interests and pain has been the ground on which pro-stem cell research stand. Since these embryos share only genetic similarities and no human characteristics, it is permissible to this stance to kill them in the name of medicine. On the other hand, anti-embryonic stem cell research believes that the human life begins at conception. Consequently, the status of the embryo is†¦show more content†¦The authors opinion is plainly seen in the first paragraph, â€Å"I argue for a compromise position that accords respect to the embryo as a form of human life, but which is distinct from Kantian respect for persons,† (Steinbock, 2007). The first view is that embryos should receive the protection and rights that all human beings have because they are genetically human. Steinbock counters this statement with the definition of a human organism, â€Å"an organism is defined as an integrated while with the capacity for self-directed development,† (Steinbock, 2007). This classification of what a human organism is demotes the human embryo as not human because the embryo has no heart, no brain and no organs. In other words, it has no similar traits as a human adult. It has the capabilities to become a baby, but will it ever become one? Another view, as described by Steinbock, is that embryos have no moral status. Embryos have the same genetic makeup as humans, but they don’t act or exhibit any human characteristics. Steinbock states, Morally, they are no different from any other cells in the human body. A blastocyst certainly looks nothing like a born human being, or even a fetus, but more importantly, it has none of the characteristics of a human person. It is those characteristics, such as sentience, consciousness, self-awareness, capacity for language, rationality, and moral agency thatShow MoreRelatedRights Based Ethics And Stem Cell Research878 Words   |  4 Pages Rights Based Ethics and Stem Cell Research When talking about ethics, we have theoretical ethics and applied ethics. Those these two are different they, are also connected. Theoretical ethics can be defined as the theoretical study of the main concepts and methods of ethics(Ward). This is, basically, studying the ethical language, the concepts, beliefs, and the reasoning of certain ethical theories. 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