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RS Theme 4 > Ethical debates within Judaism about embryo research > Flashcards

Ethical debates within Judaism about embryo research Flashcards

1
Q

Tikkun Olam

A

any activity that improves the world

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2
Q

What are stem cells?

A

special types of cells that have the potential to grow into any type of cell found in the body

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3
Q

What can stem cells replace?

A

damaged or diseased cells

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4
Q

Where are stem cells found?

A
  • bone marrow
  • umbilical cords
  • human embryo (these have greatest potential)
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5
Q

When was 14 day limited first proposed?

A

in 1979

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6
Q

Why was the 14 day limit recommended?

A

because it precedes the appearance of the primitive streak

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7
Q

What does the primitive streak represent?

A
  • The earliest point at which embryo’s biological individuation is assured
  • also earliest development of human nervous system
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8
Q

How does the Jewish law view the foetus?

A

Doesn’t consider the foetus to be a full person deserving of the protection of human beings

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9
Q

When does Jewish law suggest a foetus attains status?

A

Only at birth

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10
Q

What does the Talmud say about the foetus?

A

Prior to 40 days of gestation foetus has even more limited legal status

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11
Q

What is the debate amongst scholars regarding the soul?

A

Whether the soul enters the embryo at the moment of fertilisation or 40 days later

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12
Q

On what grounds has IVF been accepted by rabbinic authorities?

A

As long as the husband’s sperm is used, then it fulfils the mitzvah of creation

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13
Q

Why does Eisenberg suggest destruction of a spare embryo isn’t forbidden

A

Destruction of a spare embryo isn’t forbidden, as Jewish law states prior to 40 days of gestation it lacks humanity

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14
Q

What is there broad Halakhic agreement on?

A
  • stem cell research is permitted on spare embryos

- if it is to be destroyed it may as well be used for research purposes

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15
Q

What does Rabbi Dorff say about embryos that stay outside of the womb?

A
  • they have no chance of becoming children anyway

- therefore it is a mitzvah to use these embryos for research

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16
Q

“it’s not only permitted,…”

A

“there is a jewish mandate to do so.”

Dorff

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17
Q

What does Eisenberg argue about creation of pre-embryos with the intention of then destroying them?

A
  • already poskim who forbid abortion within the first 40 days
  • therefore it is much harder to accept this
18
Q

What does Dorff say about creating an embryo to specifically be a source of stem cells?

A

permissible but less morally justifiable

19
Q

What is Mackler’s view of stem cell research?

A

Supports stem cell research, but wary of using anything other than embryos which have already been created for IVF

20
Q

What is SCNT?

A

The process by which the nucleus of a body cells is transferred to an egg that has had its own nucleus removed

21
Q

Where has SCNT been used?

A
  • reproductive cloning

- production of human embryos for collection of stem cells

22
Q

“we have a duty…”

A

“to take care of our bodies that belong to God.”

Dorff

23
Q

What does RJ believe about stem cell research?

A

There is a moral imperative to pursue it.

24
Q

What tradition does RJ use to justify stem cell research?

A
  • use all available knowledge to heal the ill

- one delaying it is shedding blood

25
Q

What 2 points do Dorff and Tender link stem cell research to?

A
  • the concept of responsible dominion over nature

- an act of Tikkun Olam

26
Q

What does Nachmonides say about the practice of healing?

A

It’s not a profession but a mitzvah

27
Q

What is PGS?

A
  • pre-implantation genetic screening

- used where a person or family has a genetic condition

28
Q

What is a disease common in Jewish communities?

A

tay-sachs disease common in Jewish communities of Ashkenazi descent

29
Q

Dr Sherman Silber’s views on PGS

A
  • no moral or ethical risk because at that point the soul hasn’t entered the embryo
30
Q

What ruling in the Talmud does Wright point out that agrees with PGS?

A

How a man may not marry a woman whose family members suffer from epilepsy or leprosy

31
Q

Where are Jews opposed to the selection of embryos?

A

In order to produce a child of a particular gender or to gain certain traits; it reflects Nazi ideology

32
Q

What does Rabbi Rosenfeld argue about genetic mainpulation?

A
  • no process invisible to the naked eye is forbidden in Jewish law, thus can’t be considered ritually unclean
33
Q

Where does Rabbi Hershler criticise gene therapy?

A
  • questions ethics if unsuccessful outcome would lead to shortening of child’s life
34
Q

“he who changes the Divine…”

A

“arrangement is lacking in faith.”

35
Q

What is Rabbi David Bleich opposed to?

A

The destruction of pre-embryos and their use in stem cell research - views it the same as killing an embryo

36
Q

What two concepts is Bleich not opposed to?

A
  • embryos created by IVF

- parthenogenesis where the destruction wouldn’t involve the destruction of a potential human

37
Q

What does Rabbi Tender call stem cell research?

A

“the hope of mankind”

38
Q

What are the two grounds Tendler supports the use of stem cell research on?

A
  • Judeo-Biblical tradition doesn’t grant moral status to an embryo before 40 days of gestation
  • Pikuach Nefesh is a paramount ethical principle
39
Q

What is Professor Clare Blackburn’s team particularly interested in?

A

How stem cells in the developing and mature thymus are controlled

40
Q

What did the MRC website announce in 2014?

A

Blackburn and her team had succeeded in growing a fully functioning organ from her lab

41
Q

Why would Judaism permit Blackburn’s research?

A
  • Pikuach Nefesh

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