Korean J Med Ethics.  2011 Dec;14(4):443-455.

Controversial Ethical Issues and the Current Progress of Stem Cell Research

• LEE SM

Abstract

While stem cell research offers great hope for the development of the life sciences and the discovery of medical treatments for a variety of diseases, it also raises many controversial ethical issues. The ethical issues raised by stem cell research can be divided into two broad categories. The first category consists of the controversies relating to the destruction of human embryos during the process of stem cell extraction. The second category involves the ethical questions surrounding the use of adult stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells. This article provides an overview of the current state of stem cell research and an analysis of some of the associated ethical issues. Furthermore, on the basis of the analysis provided in this article, suggestions are offered concerning the best direction for future stem cell research.

Keyword

embryonic stem cell research; alternative sources of pluripotency; medical innovation; informed consent; conflict of interest