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
