Embryos

• Stem Cells


  Unspecialized cells from which differentiated cells develop.
• Human Embryo


  A small cluster of cells in the early stages of fetal development, created when a woman's egg is fertilized by a man's sperm and is less than 8 weeks old.
• Embryonic Stem Cell


  Pluripotent cells derived from embryos, typically 5 days after fertilization, with the potential to become all cell types.
• Differentiation Potential


  The ability of stem cells to develop into various types of cells.
• Reproductive Use of Embryos

  Involves creating new life, such as through IVF or for helping ensure healthy babies are born.
• Therapeutic Use of Embryos


  Involves using stem cells to repair damaged or diseased organs or tissues, such as for skin grafts or cornea transplants.
• Embryo Research


  The use of embryos for scientific studies, including stem cell research, raising ethical questions about the moral status of embryos and the potential benefits of such research.
• Sanctity of Life


  Belief in the inherent value and sacredness of human life, influencing views on embryo research and abortion.
• HFEA (Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority)


  UK government body overseeing the use of embryos, setting guidelines and regulations.
• PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis)


  Technique to detect genetic disorders in embryos before implantation, allowing selection against inheritable conditions, raising ethical questions about "playing God" by intervening in the natural process of reproduction.
• Saviour Siblings


  Embryos selected for specific genetic compatibility to provide tissue or stem cells to an older sibling with a serious medical condition.
• IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization)


  Assisted reproductive technology where eggs are fertilized with sperm outside the body and then implanted into the uterus.
• Utilitarianism


  Ethical theory emphasizing the greatest good for the greatest number, influencing views on embryo research based on its potential benefits.
• Personhood


  Debate over when an embryo gains the status of a person, influencing views on abortion and embryo research.
• Designer Babies


  Concerns over genetic selection and manipulation leading to tailored characteristics in offspring.
• Genetic Engineering


  Manipulation of genetic material in organisms, raising ethical questions about human intervention and its consequences.
• Slippery Slope


  Argument suggesting that one action will lead to a series of negative consequences, often raised in debates over ethical issues like embryo research.
• UK Law on Embryos

  Regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, which dictates that embryos can be used for research purposes up to 14 days after fertilization, research must serve a beneficial purpose such as curing diseases or improving fertility treatments, embryos cannot be bought or sold, and proper consent must be obtained from individuals before their embryos are used.
• Catholic Viewpoint on Embryonic Research


  Generally opposes the use of embryonic stem cells for research due to the belief that human life begins at conception and embryos have the same moral status as fully developed humans.
• Humanist Viewpoint on Embryonic Research

  Supports embryonic research if it has the potential to alleviate suffering and improve human welfare, weighing the benefits against the ethical concerns regarding the moral status of embryos and the potential for exploitation.
• Inherited Diseases


  Genetic disorders passed down from one generation to another through genetic material, raising ethical questions about the use of genetic screening and manipulation to prevent or treat such conditions.
• Playing God


  An ethical concern regarding human intervention in natural processes, particularly in the creation and manipulation of embryos, where decisions about life and genetic makeup may mimic the role traditionally attributed to a deity.