Ethical Issues in Contemporary Neuroscience
Advances in neuroscience and therapeutic applications of stem cell research have provided a wide range of treatments for human ailments and the consequences of traumatic disability that have never before been able to be treated effectively (Tong. 2007). The latest indications suggest very strongly that we are just around the corner from a new era of modern medicine in which artificial limbs will be hard wired in the brain, traumatic spinal paralysis will be treatable through the use of human stem cells, and wireless transmitters will be neurologically implanted to allow patients to communicate and control a computer just by thinking (Gerrig & Zimbardo, 2007; Levine, 2008). Furthermore, the applications of cloning technologies have already demonstrated the capacity to grow entire functioning organs using genetic material from the recipient in conjunction with stem cell tissues, which will likely eliminate the need for donor organs for transplant, saving the lives of thousands of patients annually who die waiting for an organ match. In that regard, the auto-transplantation of such organs will also eliminate the need for lifelong anti-rejection drugs that shorten the lives of organ recipients even in the best-case scenarios today (Levine, 2008; Tong, 2007).
Despite the tremendous capacity of stem cell science, cloning technology, and neuro-implantation to improve human health and minimize suffering from disease and trauma, there has been significant opposition primarily based in religious dogma: specifically, the belief that human life begins at conception. Certainly, there are important ethical considerations, but they are no different in principle from those currently relied upon to regulate all other aspects of modern medicine and health care delivery. Ultimately, it is imperative to develop the full potential of stem cell science, cloning technology, and neuro-implantation in conjunction with a comprehensive set of ethical guidelines to prevent irresponsible or unethical misuses. However, those ethical guidelines may only incorporate secular concepts and definitions and never the religious beliefs of any particular religious tradition.
References
Gerrig, R, Zimbardo, P. (2007). Psychology and Life. New York: Allyn & Bacon.
Levine, C. (2008). Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Bioethical Issues. 12th Ed. Dubuque
Iowa: McGraw Hill.
Tong, R. (2007). New Perspectives in Health Care Ethics: An Interdisciplinary and Cultural Approach Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.
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