Human Embryo research and islamic bioethics: A view from Iran

Abstract

Research on human embryos has advanced at a tremendous pace during the last three decades. The main argument over using embryos for research is about the value of human life at its beginning. Therefore, its wide application in several parts of the world is a cause of great concern in many societies, including Muslim countries, due to the absence of adequate ethical, social and legal implications. This paper considers the Islamic views that surrounded the conduct of destructive research, e.g. human embryonic stem cell research, on surplus in vitro fertilisation embryos that are not wanted. This will also be devoted to an explanation of the scientific and moral-religious position of human embryo research and stem cell science in Iran, which has taken the lead among Muslim countries since 2003.