Dean Discusses Ethics of Stem Cell, Abortion

Associate Dean of Allied Health Dr. Julio Turrens gave a lecture about the ethics of stem cell research and abortion Nov. 17 in an event sponsored by the College Democrats.

According to Turrens’ lecture, science uses normative ethics, rules to help decide what is right and what is wrong. A simple diagram helped the room of mostly medical majors understand how certain decisions are made.

It all begins with a person, who has their own virtues, morals, and ethics. Then the person chooses to take a course of action through a sense of duty. That action will have a certain outcome or consequence.

Stem cell research can theoretically help cure problems from Parkinson’s to paralysis.

The action taken is destroying an embryo, and the outcome is a possible cure.

The problem comes in deciding whether an embryo has “personhood.” If an embryo is said to have personhood, the destruction of it cannot be justified. Science forms its decisions based on the “sanctity of life.”

However, if an embryo does not have personhood, it can be treated just like any other tissue and can be used to save lives.

Turrens’ personal opinion was kept out of the whole discussion. He did not want anyone to be influenced by his perspective. He only wanted to give people a way to think about ethical issues.

This way of thinking could be applied to many other issues facing Americans today, such as universal health care.

The room stayed fairly quiet throughout the presentation until Turrens moved onto the subject of abortion.

Though all sides have been heard about abortion, Turrens reminded everyone to always consider the other side. Every side has its own valid point.

Unfortunately, the concept of the sanctity of life takes a different turn. The question has always been: If the fetus does have personhood, which life is more important?

The night ended after a calm but opinionated discussion about the rights of a mother and the personhood of a fetus.

Editor’s note: For the full article and additional information on stem cell research and abortion, go to www.usavanguard.com.