One contemporary issue of ethics in biomedical research is stem-cell research. This medical advance does more than just probe into the world of science; it reaches the domains of society and its morals. According to the National Institute of Health, stem cells are unique cells created from embryos for infertility purposes usually through the process of in vitro fertilization (Institute on Health). Stems cells have two important characteristics that differentiate them from other types of cells. One is that they are unspecialized cells that rejuvenate themselves through cell division. The other is that, under certain conditions, they can be induced to become certain specialized cells (Institute on Health). For certain people this is life saving news. Now that cells can be specialized under these unspecialized stem cells, a patient can receive new heart cells for a diseased heart or many other life threatening diseases (Institute on Health). This information can be used in a variety of useful ways, but is it morally right to create embryos only to destroy them? Are these potential humans that could help them world in some other way? This is the perspective of many people fighting against stem-cell research. These activists claim that stem-cell research plays against the will of God. Moreover, if stem cell research is legalized world-wide, who is to say that people will use it only to benefit the curing of disease? Is it possible that people will become careless and more susceptible to disease only to receive stem cells to cure it? These issues are only a few of the concerns that stem-cell research bring into the realm of morality.
We see these same issues arise in social-science research of our modern society. One contemporary issue of social science research is the justice in using genetic information for insurers, schools, courts, employers, adoption agencies, and military purposes (Social Concerns). Who should be allowed access to these personal files? If insurers and other societal agencies required this information, then many people would lack the ethical equality that is so evident in many other forms of society. These “dangerous” individuals would be disbanded from society for some inherent characteristic that might not even become relevant or expressed. The military would deny entrance because the individual has the possibility of developing their inherent risk. Researchers must address these dilemmas in their research in order not to seem biased. Having an unbiased approach to work allows people to take into consideration the point that is trying to be made. In this case, researchers on the validity of using genetic information for insurers, employers, etc., would need to state the pros and con of the situation. They would also need to address the issue in relation to social status and race, as the problem might affect a certain group of people more than the other. Researchers must include data, including trends and statistics, along with analysis as to how it may affect the society.
Clearly ethics in research is necessary for any researcher to be taken seriously by his or her reader. It is evident that data and analysis must be worked in together to give research the application and understanding necessary to the reader. Biomedical and social-science research offers some of the most advanced applications to society and its people. Therefore research on these topics must address ethics and morals in a way that reflects the current society. It is apparent that as society grows; research becomes more advanced, introducing new ideas and methods that require moral debate.
Works Cited
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National Institute on Health. Stem Cell Basics. 12 August 2005. 4 September 2005 < >
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Social Concerns arising form the New Genetics. 15 September 2004. 4 September 2005 < >
