| |
| Join Our Newsletter |
 Please Select sub-criteria |  |
|
|
|
|
| |
| The Ethical Dilemma Confronting Stem Cell Research |
04 |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
A summary of the Islamic verdict on stem cell research
Stem cells can be derived from a number of sources:
1. From some adult tissues (such as bone marrow)
2. Early embryos made through IVF that are not needed for infertility treatment
3. From the blood cells of the umbilical cord at the time of birth
Problems arise when the properties and potential of these different cell sources develop into particular tissues. Stem cells derived from early embryos have the potential to develop into a greater variety of different tissues. The potential of tissues from the umbilicus, foeti (mature embryos) and adult tissues are more limited.
1. Use of adult tissues to produce stem cells
If the adult tissue originated from a living human being, its use would be allowed with the person's consent. This is because according to Islam, a person has a legal (Shari) authority over his organs. For example, if a person's hand or eye is removed by another person, the wounded can demand blood-money (diya) as compensation. The victim can also choose to forgive the one guilty of causing the loss of the organs. In either case, the fact that the victim is granted the final say over the organs, through the choice of how they should be compensated, indicates that he has the right to make decisions regarding them. He can thus choose to donate his organ to another person in need of it, provided the organ is not vital for his own survival. Stem cells fulfil this requirement.
2. Use of IVF to produce stem cell
This is where stem cells are derived from early embryos which are no longer needed for infertility treatment (supernumerary embryos). IVF as a means to aid fertilisation between a husband and wife is allowed according to Islamic jurisprudence. The nature of the IVF process is that embryos will be formed that will not be needed for placement in the woman's womb. These can be utilised for the purpose of producing stem cells. Supernumerary embryos such as those produced through IVF would not be considered as dead since they never had life. The Islamic texts define the point at which an embryo can be considered alive at 42 days.
3. Use of blood cells of the umbilical cord to produce stem cells
The umbilical cord can be used to extract stem cells if it is required for medical treatment or research.
Stem cells can be used from live adults, umbilical cords, IVF embryos and aborted foeti under 42 days gestation. They cannot however be extracted from dead human tissue and foeti above 42 days gestation.
Not only does Islam allow stem cell research, but it could potentially throw the field wide open. The present model of using supernumerary embryos has met with limited success in producing embryonic stem cell lines. Present research, though not conclusive, is suggesting that higher quality embryos such as blastocysts lead to a higher efficiency of embryonic stem cell production (Cowan et al, 2004). Blastocysts are the collection of cells that are in the next developmental stage from the embryo. From an Islamic jurisprudential perspective it is acceptable to use foeti up to the age of 42 days for stem cell extraction and hence the potential exists for the highly refined production of stem cells.
| |
| |
| |
| |
« First < 2 3 4 5 >
Page 4 of 5 pages
| |
|
|
