Abstract

VORSTER, J.M.. The human dignity of the human embryo: The debate thus far. In Skriflig (Online) [online]. 2011, vol.45, n.2-3, pp.569-590. ISSN 2305-0853.

This article examines some recent arguments regarding the ethics of stem cell research as they are discussed in the various essays in the publication of Gruen et al. (2007), "Stem cell research: the ethical issues". Regarding the use of human embryos in stem cell research, these essays discuss among other things the potential of the human embryo, the moral status (human dignity) of the human embryo, the creation of chimeras, the sale of ocytes and other ethical issues in modern bioethics. Eventually the article draws attention to the main ethical problems at stake to be dealt with by Christian ethics using a deontological ethical theory. Christian ethics should focus on these problems in the on-going ethical debate regarding stem cell research.

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