ETHICS, MORAL VALUES, AND U.S. LAW

Scientists and society as a whole must  consider  the  ethical  implications   of  stem  cell research. As discussed throughout this booklet,  differ- ent ethical issues are raised by the wide range of stem cell research activities. In 2005, the National Academies published  guidelines for scientists who do research with human  embryonic  stem cells to encour- age responsible and ethically sensitive conduct in their work. Although the guidelines are not expressly legal- ly binding, many researchers have voluntarily adopted them as a guide to what constitutes  appropriate con- duct in human  embryonic  stem cell research.   Yet for some people,  such guidelines are inadequate because they aim to govern a practice that they see as intrinsi- cally unethical.


As the science advances,  it is essential  that  scientists; religious, moral, and political leaders; and society as a whole  continue  to evaluate  and communicate about the ethical implications  of stem cell research.