Perdebatan seputar Sel Punca

Tinjauan Etika dan Moral Gereja Katolik

Abstract

The discovery of stem cells is one of the major milestones in medicine. Stem cells are types of cell that can be used to supplement or replace damaged cells of the human body. With the new knowledge of stem cells, the possibilities for the treatment of all kinds of diseases are wide open. Of course, we first of all welcome this. The possibility of finding cures for all diseases is a big dream for human beings. On the other hand, however, there is a risk that stem cell development could be counterproductive. Instead of supporting the healing of all human beings, the over-utilization of stem cells could lead to a dehumanizing perspective. Both universal ethics and the Christian morals of the Catholic Church are clearly against this. Both stem cell donors and recipients are human beings who should be respected, rather than rejected and deemed as non-human, as in the case of embryonic stem cells. Any type of treatment and technological advancement must be directed towards the important principle of defending human dignity.