Ethical debates within Judaism about embryo research Flashcards
Tikkun Olam
any activity that improves the world
What are stem cells?
special types of cells that have the potential to grow into any type of cell found in the body
What can stem cells replace?
damaged or diseased cells
Where are stem cells found?
- bone marrow
- umbilical cords
- human embryo (these have greatest potential)
When was 14 day limited first proposed?
in 1979
Why was the 14 day limit recommended?
because it precedes the appearance of the primitive streak
What does the primitive streak represent?
- The earliest point at which embryo’s biological individuation is assured
- also earliest development of human nervous system
How does the Jewish law view the foetus?
Doesn’t consider the foetus to be a full person deserving of the protection of human beings
When does Jewish law suggest a foetus attains status?
Only at birth
What does the Talmud say about the foetus?
Prior to 40 days of gestation foetus has even more limited legal status
What is the debate amongst scholars regarding the soul?
Whether the soul enters the embryo at the moment of fertilisation or 40 days later
On what grounds has IVF been accepted by rabbinic authorities?
As long as the husband’s sperm is used, then it fulfils the mitzvah of creation
Why does Eisenberg suggest destruction of a spare embryo isn’t forbidden
Destruction of a spare embryo isn’t forbidden, as Jewish law states prior to 40 days of gestation it lacks humanity
What is there broad Halakhic agreement on?
- stem cell research is permitted on spare embryos
- if it is to be destroyed it may as well be used for research purposes
What does Rabbi Dorff say about embryos that stay outside of the womb?
- they have no chance of becoming children anyway
- therefore it is a mitzvah to use these embryos for research
“it’s not only permitted,…”
“there is a jewish mandate to do so.”
Dorff
What does Eisenberg argue about creation of pre-embryos with the intention of then destroying them?
- already poskim who forbid abortion within the first 40 days
- therefore it is much harder to accept this
What does Dorff say about creating an embryo to specifically be a source of stem cells?
permissible but less morally justifiable
What is Mackler’s view of stem cell research?
Supports stem cell research, but wary of using anything other than embryos which have already been created for IVF
What is SCNT?
The process by which the nucleus of a body cells is transferred to an egg that has had its own nucleus removed
Where has SCNT been used?
- reproductive cloning
- production of human embryos for collection of stem cells
“we have a duty…”
“to take care of our bodies that belong to God.”
Dorff
What does RJ believe about stem cell research?
There is a moral imperative to pursue it.
What tradition does RJ use to justify stem cell research?
- use all available knowledge to heal the ill
- one delaying it is shedding blood
What 2 points do Dorff and Tender link stem cell research to?
- the concept of responsible dominion over nature
- an act of Tikkun Olam
What does Nachmonides say about the practice of healing?
It’s not a profession but a mitzvah
What is PGS?
- pre-implantation genetic screening
- used where a person or family has a genetic condition
What is a disease common in Jewish communities?
tay-sachs disease common in Jewish communities of Ashkenazi descent
Dr Sherman Silber’s views on PGS
- no moral or ethical risk because at that point the soul hasn’t entered the embryo
What ruling in the Talmud does Wright point out that agrees with PGS?
How a man may not marry a woman whose family members suffer from epilepsy or leprosy
Where are Jews opposed to the selection of embryos?
In order to produce a child of a particular gender or to gain certain traits; it reflects Nazi ideology
What does Rabbi Rosenfeld argue about genetic mainpulation?
- no process invisible to the naked eye is forbidden in Jewish law, thus can’t be considered ritually unclean
Where does Rabbi Hershler criticise gene therapy?
- questions ethics if unsuccessful outcome would lead to shortening of child’s life
“he who changes the Divine…”
“arrangement is lacking in faith.”
What is Rabbi David Bleich opposed to?
The destruction of pre-embryos and their use in stem cell research - views it the same as killing an embryo
What two concepts is Bleich not opposed to?
- embryos created by IVF
- parthenogenesis where the destruction wouldn’t involve the destruction of a potential human
What does Rabbi Tender call stem cell research?
“the hope of mankind”
What are the two grounds Tendler supports the use of stem cell research on?
- Judeo-Biblical tradition doesn’t grant moral status to an embryo before 40 days of gestation
- Pikuach Nefesh is a paramount ethical principle
What is Professor Clare Blackburn’s team particularly interested in?
How stem cells in the developing and mature thymus are controlled
What did the MRC website announce in 2014?
Blackburn and her team had succeeded in growing a fully functioning organ from her lab
Why would Judaism permit Blackburn’s research?
- Pikuach Nefesh
