The Human Embryo Research Debates: Bioethics in the Vortex of Controversy

By Ronald M. Green

Research on the early human embryo has long been recognized as essential to progress in a host of biomedical areas from reproductive medicine to the treatment of pediatric cancers. Now, with the possibility of stem cell research and cell replacement therapies, embryo research holds out the promise of cures for many serious disease conditions such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Despite its importance, however, human embryo research has met powerful opposition. Drawing on his experience as a member of the NIH's Human Embryo Research Panel, Green offers a first-hand account of the embryo research debates. In telling this story, he periodically pauses to reflect on some of the leading philosophical challenges posed by embryo research and new interventions at the start of life. Among the questions he examines are: What is the impact of new biological information on our thinking about life's beginning? May parents risk injuring a child in order to have it? What role should religion play in shaping biomedical policy in a controversial area like this? This is a fascinating insider's account of one of the most important, if unsuccessful, recent efforts to come to terms with a controversial area of scientific research.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195109473
• ISBN13: 9780195109474
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Biased but informative

It is obvious the author is biased to no-holds bar stem cell research. It does have some good information though if you want to know more about the debates of embryo research you just have to be able to read between the lines and think for yourself. I would suggest Stem Cell Now as a less biased report.

The one book to read on this subject

If you're only going to read one book on this subject, or need one book for a paper or report, this is the go-to book. Dartmouth professor Ron Green was on a national commission that studied the use of human embryos in research and he provides an insider's look at the deliberations, politics, and pressures on his commission.He also offers a balanced, humane, scholarly look at the question, plus accurate information on the embryology and biology surrounding the issue.All in all, a great book.