Use Of Embryos - Research

Question 1

Use of Embryos is research - KU

Answer 1

• In the UK it is the HFEA that regulates how embryos can be used
• The HFEA website lists all the embryo research projects currently taking place in the UK

Question 2

Use of Embryos is research; Genetic profiling embryos- KU

Answer 2

• Early human development is very complex and often there are genetic abnormalities that arise in the early human embryo
• The work being carried out at the University College London has shown that many embryos created in the laboratory using the IVF process will have atleast some cells with chromosomal abnormalities
• The consequences of these abnormalities are thought to be why so many IVF embryos die
• THis project looks at comparing the genetic profiles of the embryos to try and understand why some embryos develop well and why some embryos do not process beyond a few cells

Question 3

Use of Embryos is research; embryo growth (Imperial College London) - KU

Answer 3

• When embryos are being selected to be used as part of the reproductive process it is the ‘best’ embryo that is chosen for implantation
• Currently, embryos are selected on their structure and shape
• This project is investigating and analysing those other factors that would provide the most viable embryos and improve the methods of embryo selection

Question 4

Moral Issues raised by Use of Embryos is research; Means to an end

Answer 4

• Much of this research is exploratory
• It helps scientists and the medical profession to find out more about embryos
• The result for each embryo being used is not going to directly lead to the birth of a human or to help someone who is suffering so the embryo is only being used as a means to an end
• In other words the embryo itself is no valued as an embryo it is only important because it is useful in achieving an aim

Question 5

Moral Issues raised by Use of Embryos is research; slippery slope

Answer 5

• In issues of ethics or morality, the slippery slope argument is one that is concerned with the future consequences or things that might happen later because of what is permitted just now
• Some people question whether some of the research into embryos represents a slippery slope concerning what could happen in the future

Question 6

Religious Responses to the Moral Issues raised by Use of Embryos is research; The Church of Scotland

Answer 6

• They believe that the embryo should have special status, although there are also ‘recognised potential benefits of embryo research under limited circumstances’
• it very much depends on the circumstances of the research and the fact that the Church of Scotland uses the phrase ‘limited circumstances’ suggests that many of its members do not agree with destroying embryos from many of the research projects that are taking place

Question 7

Religious Responses to the Moral Issues raised by Use of Embryos is research; Sikhism

Answer 7

• Some Sikhs believe that because research into embryos means that those suffering from illness or experiencing pain could be helped by the theraputic uses of stem cells, then it should be allowed
• The research could be considered Sewa, which is acting selflessly to help others

Question 8

Non- Religious Responses to the Moral Issues raised by Use of Embryos is research; BMA

Answer 8

• The BMa is very in favour of using embryos for research as it has the potential to improve our understanding of and treatment for many very serious medical conditions

Question 9

Non- Religious Responses to the Moral Issues raised by Use of Embryos is research; Secular Pro-Life

Answer 9

• The view they hold is that the status of the embryo would mean that many within the organisation would be against destroying embryos for research