Embryonic Stem Cell Research: A Question of Beliefs?

Abstract

As far as we know now, embryonic stem cell research is not very promising in terms of therapeutic gains because of the side-effects but nevertheless not at all neglectable in terms of gaining basic knowledge about the development of diseases and their understanding, trials for toxicity of pharmaceuticals, development of embryos, understanding of fertility, etc. The debate about research on human embryonic stem cells is especially characterized by using value terms to promote certain positions. Humaine medicine is medicine for suffering people. The consequentialistic ethical perspective focuses on affected sick people. Do present and future patients have a right to demand that this research be conducted, and moreover, that it be conducted now and without hesitation?