Utilitarian thinking and ethical frameworks

¶ … stem cell research has been controversial for years. What are stem cells and why do they entail so much interest? Stem cells may be derived from embryonic, fetal, or adult cells and tissues. Potentially, the embryonic stem cells can serve as the machinery to repair, regenerate, and/or replace tissues and organs. In other words, they could prove invaluable in eradicating all illnesses and incurable conditions. Following an ethical perspective, the doctrine of Utilitarianism supports stem cell research.

Utilitarian theory proposes that the desirable consequences of an action justify it for the greater good, and for its short or long-term benefits (Rosenstand). In the matter of stem cell research, the desirable long-term consequences are those of scientific advancement within the healthcare domain, improved health value for all human beings, and financial preservation for all citizens of the world, that would no longer spend so much currency on medicines if they were no longer in need of traditional drug treatments. Thus, the three projected focuses would prove to be extremely useful for all of humankind in the future.

The moral issue attached to human embryos is wrought around whether or not they have the intrinsic value of a person even in such an early developmental stage. Utilitarianism often demands that people put aside self-interest. Sometimes this means putting aside one's own moral convictions. Seeing as the personhood status of an embryo cannot be asserted with certainty, and established by uncontestable proof, embryo stem cell research ought not to be hindered for such ungrounded reasons. In other words, it could be rightfully concluded that the duty to prevent, alleviate, or eliminate the suffering of most of the planet's population overthrows the duty to respect the potential existence of a person.

Furthermore, a Utilitarian approach is based on the prerogative that the final goal of a constructive action justifies any means employed, and the right action is proved right only if it results in the most happiness and common welfare for the whole community. The principle of utility asserts that we ought to always produce the maximal balance of positive value over disvalue, or the least possible disvalue, if only undesirable results can be achieved. In this light, a total clearance for stem cell research is more than relevant. The final purpose of the research is based on solid foundations, and more likely to be true than the notion that an embryo is equal to an adult human being.