Opinion on the import of human embryonic stem cells

Table of content

• 1. Function of the National Ethics Council
• 2. Subject of the opinion
• 3. The culture of mutual respect
• 4. The normative framework
• 5. Derivation of human embryonic stem cells: for and against
  • 5.1. Arguments in favour of the derivation of embryonic stem cells
    • 5.1.1. Ethico-legal considerations on the status of early embryonic phases of life
    • 5.1.2. Contradictions in legal and ethical value judgements
    • 5.1.3 Possible social consequences of research in which embryos are "consumed"
    • 5.1.4 Limitation of the derivation of stem cells to "excess" embryos
    • 5.1.5. State of research and freedom of research
  • 5.2. Arguments against the derivation of embryonic stem cells
    • 5.2.1. Ethico-legal considerations on the status of the early embryo
    • 5.2.2. Limitation of the protection of life in life-threatening conflict situations
    • 5.2.3. The problem of excess embryos and alternative research approaches
    • 5.2.4. The symbolic function of the protection of human embryos
• 6. The import of human embryonic stem cells
  • 6.1. Specific arguments in favour of the import of human embryonic stem cells
  • 6.2. Specific arguments against the import of human embryonic stem cells
• 7. Assessment options for the question of imports

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