배아복제 및 연구에 대한 비교 윤리적 방법론

Abstract

Developments in medical science have culminated in a Copernican revolution of sorts with the invention of embryo cloning technology and stem cell production. Though there are significant pros to this technology the cons, especially with respect to ethical issues, are well worth considering. The positive aspects of embryo cloning and stem cell production technology are that it makes possible curing of previously incurable terminal diseases, retrieval of lost and dead siblings, and effectively deals with the problem of infertility. However, the negative aspects of this technology is that it results in the possible abuse to the female body, destroys a budding human life, and merchandises human life by making human body cloning/farming possible as a consumer product. Though we must be cautious and careful about embryo cloning and experimentation, categorical prohibition of it seems unacceptable because of the great need of it for medical purposes. This begs the more important question, is it ethically right and acceptable? To answer this question, this article deals with the necessary condition and beginning of a holistic human being, the status of the embryo, and the relationship between the biological body and spirit. As an effort to provide an ethical framework that puts in perspective embryo cloning and experimentation, this article also deals with the theories of “situation ethics” of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Christianity. At the end of this article, with respect to the negative aspects of embryonic stem cell usage, the use of adult stem cells is discussed and suggested.