Moral qualms, future persons, and embryo research

Shaw, D.M. (2008) Moral qualms, future persons, and embryo research. Bioethics, 22(4), pp. 218-223. (doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8519.2008.00639.x)

Abstract

Many people have moral qualms about embryo research, feeling that embryos must deserve some kind of protection, if not so much as is afforded to persons. This paper will show that these qualms serve to camouflage motives that are really prudential, at the cost of also obscuring the real ethical issues at play in the debate concerning embryo research and therapeutic cloning. This in turn leads to fallacious use of the Actions/Omissions Distinction and ultimately neglects the duties that we have towards future persons.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The definitive version is available at: www.blackwell-synergy.com
• Keywords: Embryos, therapeutic cloning, future persons, stem cells, acts/omissions
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Shaw, Dr David
• Authors: Shaw, D.M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Journal Name: Bioethics
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• ISSN: 0269-9702
• ISSN (Online): 1467-8519
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2008 The Author
• First Published: First published in Bioethics 22(4):218-223
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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