Therapeutic perspectives of human embryonic stem cell research versus the moral status of a human embryo – does one have to be compromised for the other?

Stem cells are unspecialized cells able to divide and produce copies of themselves
and having the potential to differentiate, i.e. to produce other cell types in the body. Because of
the latter ability, the scientists investigate their possible use in regenerative medicine. Especially
embryonic stem cells have huge therapeutic potential because they can give rise to every cell
type in the body as compared to stem cells from certain adult tissues which can only differentiate
into a limited range of cell types. For this reason scientists stress the importance of embryonic
stem cell research. However, this research raises sensitive ethical and religious arguments, which
are balanced against possible great benefit of such research for the patients suffering from so far
incurable diseases. The objective of this literature review is to present the main arguments in
favor and against human embryonic stem cell research. Since the sensitivity of the latter issue to
a large extent stems from the position of predominant religions in a given society, the positions of
the main religions regarding embryo research are also presented.
Conclusion. There is no consensus regarding ethical aspects of human embryonic stem cell
research. The article presents both the arguments supporting human embryonic stem cell research
and the arguments opposing it.