Other issues stem cell

Many ethical issues associated with the use of stem cells apply to biomedical  research generally.  Some  issues  which  were  discussed  above,  such  as  priorities  of  research  and allocation of limited resources, disclosure of truth about benefits and harms, and obtaining consent,  are  prominent  in  stem  cell  research.  Paying  appropriate  attention  to  research integrity and related matters such as  responsible conduct of research, ownership of data, and authorship, are particularly emphasized in this field.
Another relevant general ethical issue is that of conflict of interests. There are  financial
interests for researchers who work in this field. Honesty and openness of researchers, along with appropriate independent review of research, are required.
Some issues are more specific and require special attention. For instance, stem cells can be used for the study of normal development of human embryos and  for genetic research. Therefore, concerns about germ lines interventions  attempting eugenics have been raised (Balint, 2001).
An  issue  is  the  principle  of  subsidiarity, according  to which  stem  cell  research  can  be ethically permissible only if there are no alternatives (DeWert  & Mummery, 2003). Some options have been discussed as alternatives of human embryonic stem cells, which consist of:  human  embryonic  germ  (hEG)  cells,  adult  stem  cells,  and  xenotransplantation.  For comparison of these alternatives,  many elements should be analysed, including: burdens and/or risks, the chance of success and applicability, and the time-scale in which clinically useful applications are to be expected (DeWert & Mummery, 2003). Low success rates of the use   of   hEG   cells   and   uncertain   outcomes,   and   cross-species   infections   caused   by xenotransplantation and high rates of immunity rejection are the barriers for the first and third alternatives.
Adult stem cells experiments have had great success in recent decades. Scientists have been studying  them  since  the  1960s  (United  Nations  Educational,   Scientific  and  Cultural Organization, 2004). Avoidance of immunity system  rejection problems is an important advantage  of  these  cells.  However,  there  are  many  doubts  about  their  developmental potential and their proliferation capacity as a substitute for embryonic stem cells (Kuehnle & Goodell, 2002; Gavaghan, 2001).
As mentioned above, iPS cells are suggested as another alternative for human  embryonic stem cells (Hyne, 2008; Takahashi et al., 2007; Blow, 2008). Many  experiments have been
done in recent years to test the efficacy and safety of this novel option (Lewis, 2009).
Aborted foetuses are suggested as sources for obtaining germ line stem cells, though critical
issues are raised (Balint, 2001). Women coercion, their safety, stem cell  recipient safety, informed  consent  issues,  and  vulnerability  of  the  foetus  are  concerns  which  cause  this suggestion to remain controversial.
According to some advocates, stem cell research can save many lives. But the principle of proportionality urges ethicists to weigh potential benefits and harms. Pursuance of medical progress at any cost does not seem ethical.