Abstract
This paper deals with the legal, medical and ethical implications of the sale of human organs from live people and the selling of cadaveric organs. The paper explores the opinions of those both for and against legalizing organ selling, as well as describing the current situation, and concludes that organ selling should be legalized.

From the Paper
"Recently the topic of organ selling has become a popular topic for debate among bioethicists. As thousands of human beings continue to suffer, many people are beginning to explore the option of human organ sales; however, while there are those who argue for such an option, they must first consider those who stand by the government and completely abhor the idea. The arguments against the sale of organs are driven by the following concerns: it could exploit poor people who are willing to donate their organs solely for payment, it might favor the wealthy, and it could motivate families to withdraw treatment. Many ethicists also believe organ selling demeans the human body. They feel that if you allow organ selling to take place, the Nation's faith in human pride will be shattered. Those opposed to organ selling raise the issue that although a Market Economy is relatively beneficial, unless it is monitored correctly, our human rights, such as social justice, bodily integrity and political freedoms will be stripped away. The greatest fear among those who strongly oppose the sale of organs is that people may murder each other in order to obtain money for their victim's death."

Tags:1984, advancements, bioethics, death, die, donors, federal, government, harvest, kidney, liver, living, organs, patients, selling, states, transplants

Abstract
This paper discusses the many uses of stem cells, especially in the area of juvenile diabetes, Parkinson's disease and cell regeneration. This paper explains how the fertilized human egg develops into stem cells and their various biological sources and how they are acquired for use in research, including the NIH guidelines. The author believes that stem cell research is so new that the scientists can only guess at what it will be able to achieve as well as what it will not be able to do.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Acquisition of Stem Cells
Opposition to Stem Cells Research
Limitations of Stem Cells Research
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Early research into the use of stem cells focused on two separate approaches. One involved the "control of gene expression", or determining when genes were active or inactive. The other involved the generation or new cells. Some recent research has combined the two approaches, looking at the possibility that gene manipulation could be combined with cell growth, further broadening the potential applications for gene therapy."

Tags:acquisition, opposition, limitation, replacement, therapy

Abstract
Despite only being around for the last ten years, genetically engineered crops account for more than two-thirds of all crops in the United States. This paper provides a brief explanation of what GM foods are. It then discusses the reason GM foods have become so popular is so short a time, the main reason being the monetary value linked to patenting GM crops. Finally, the paper discusses the adverse effects of using GM foods, including the fact that the U.S. government does not fund any research into the health effects of GM food.

From the Paper
"The Nobel Prize-winning chemist Robert F. Curl proclaimed the 20th century was "the century of physics and chemistry, but it is clear that the next century will be the century of biology" (Rifkin). Welcome to the age of biotechnology and genetic engineering. From cloning, to synthesized human insulin, to industrial alcohols like ethanol and methane, genetic engineering can already be seen in many aspects of life (Moody). It has especially made a huge impact on this food industry in the form of genetically modified crops. Despite only being around for the last ten years, genetically engineered crops account for more than two-thirds of all crops in the United States. This includes 60% of cotton crops, 63% of soybeans, and over 65% of corn (Moody). These numbers are staggering considering the time they have been around, and the sparse research done on their effects."

Tags:corn, dna, recombinant, USAID, FDA

Abstract
This paper examines how human cloning has always stirred healthy debate and how philosophical theories regarding the issue of cloning range from the technological to the ethical. The value of human life is also juxtaposed with the benefits to those who are suffering. It looks at how some view cloning as an inevitable process that is bound to occur as society forges ahead into the next age of medical discovery, while others see the act of human cloning as a slippery slope that will lead to cloning for spare parts, thus removing the dignity of life itself.

From the Paper
"When we consider these varying views, we discover that many philosophical viewpoints revolve around the issue of values. In other words, cloning devalues life because it degrades others as a means to our ends. John Kilner, in his essay, "Human Cloning Would Violate Christian Ethics," staunchly believes, "human cloning will cause the deaths of human beings" (Kilner 13). In short, the act of cloning, whether or not it saves live, devalues life itself. He asserts that because cloning is not yet a perfect science, many human embryos would be lost and therefore, the "cost is unacceptably high" (14). He grounds his argument on the "277 failed attempts" (14) that took place before Dolly was cloned successfully."

Tags:life, embryo, human, ethics

Abstract
This essay first delivers a general overview of ES cell research. It then looks at ethical dilemmas from both sides with the aid of four ethical theories - Act Utilitarianism, Ethic of Care, Kantian Ethics and Moral Rights Theory. In addition, it addresses the personhood of an embryo. Finally, the conclusion unites the main themes in stating that ES cell research is ethical.

From the Paper
"The topic of embryonic stem (ES) cell research emerged in 1998, when James Thompson and his colleagues first derived the cells from pre-implantation human blastocysts [1]. Since then, ES cells have quickly become one of the decade's greatest philosophical dilemmas. Although this research has the potential to cure such illnesses as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, paralysis, and muscular dystrophe (among many other disorders) [3]; researchers? largest boundary is providing a concrete ethical basis for its continued study."

Tags:abortion, Parkinson?s, IVF

Abstract
In this article, the writer first explains that a stem cell is a human cell that has the ability to divide itself a large number of times when placed in suitable environment, such as a laboratory culture. The writer notes that stem cell research implications are generally related to human health, and thus human stem cells are the focus of this paper. The writer discusses that many people are opposed to stem-cell research because of the need for using embryo cells, which can either come from aborted foetuses or from the umbilical cords of newborn babies. The writer then argues that, despite the concerns about stem-cell research, there are a great number of medical benefits that have already and may still come from stem-cell research and they far outweigh any potential negative effects. The writer argues that stem-cell research should not only be allowed to continue and prosper, but it should also be well funded and placed at a high priority among medical research fields.

From the Paper
" Stem-cell research has allowed researchers to learn more about how cells regenerate themselves, as well as how initial cells at the embryo stage of development later develop into specific cells with specific functions in the body. This research is very useful for informing scientists about potential treatments for debilitating diseases. Researchers working with stem-cells have become fairly certain that continued research with the stem-cells will lead to potential cures or treatments for diseases such as Parkinson's disease, by regenerating muscle and brain cells. The research is also promising in terms of generating treatment options for individuals with multiple sclerosis. One of the most exciting possibilities for stem-cell research lies in the field of developing organs from stem-cells which could meet the human demand for organ transplants and remove the necessity of finding matching donors. Thus, stem-cell research has the potential to save a remarkable number of human lives."

Tags:human, embryos, regenerate, replicate

Abstract
This paper examines the ethical implications surrounding reproductive and therapeutic cloning, including issues such as the right to an open future, commodification of children, the risk of psychological harm to the clone, the right to individuality and the "Kantian Ends and Means Dictum". It shows that although many moral objections to cloning can be theoretically rebutted, by adopting an approach which views the welfare of the resultant clone as the paramount consideration in the cloning debate, it is concluded that such a practice should never be allowed. It also considers the current legal regulation of cloning and concludes that the status quo should be maintained.

Outline
Introduction
Reproductive Cloning
Current Situation
Procreative Autonomy
Safety Implications
Intrinsic Sense of Immorality
Individuality
The Right to an Open Future
Commodification
Psychological Harm
Human Dignity and the Kantian ?Ends and Means? Dictum
Fear of Eugenics
Therapeutic Cloning
The Moral Status of the Embryo
The ?Slippery Slope? Argument
Should Therapeutic Cloning be Permissible?
Legal Regulation of Cloning
Conclusion

From the Paper
"One of the central tenets of the cloning debate is whether a person has the right, as articulated by Dworkin, to "procreative autonomy". He defines this as a right to control one's own role in procreation unless the state has a compelling reason for denying them that control. Following from this, Harris contends that "genetic imperative" is a fundamental aspect of the right to procreative autonomy and since society grants the legitimacy of genetic aspirations in so many cases and indeed the use of advanced technology to meet such desires, only compelling and serious reasons could deny people such wishes in the case of cloning. Although Dworkin and Harris assert that there is insufficient evidence of harm to justify interfering with this freedom of an individual, a consideration of the following ethical issues will demonstrate that what is at stake if cloning is permitted outweighs the right of an individual to procreative freedom."

Tags:cell, commodification, dolly, embryology, fertilisation, kant, means, morality, procreative

Abstract
The paper first briefly defines stem cell research in all its forms (embryonic, adult, umbilical). It next explores whether the young fetus should actually be considered a 'life-form'. The political portion of the paper revolves around President Bush's policies and California's Proposition 71. Finally, the argument is made that alternatives to embryonic stem cells represent the only moral choice, especially at this early stage of research.

From the Paper
"There are too many unanswered questions and unknowns when it comes to stem cell research, embryonic or not. There is promising research being made on adult stem cells and umbilical cells as we speak. Shouldn't these avenues be completely explored before we even discuss destroying another embryo in the name of science? I would think so. The greatness of humankind can be measured by its accomplishments, but accomplishments made without regard to morals can destroy us. This is the course we must avoid. We must not sacrifice life with blind hopes of scientific advancement. We must not sacrifice one life to cure another."

Tags:abortion, CLS, ethics

Abstract
This paper examines the debate between the East and West on the issue of safety on genetically modified food. The author looks at the argument concerning the food's safety, and possible effects on the human body, labeling of such products, and how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration use modified foods.

From the Paper
"The world as we know it is divided into two parts---the secular West and the cultural East. Both have different manners of living and while the West blooms in progress the East is more restricted as it looks for the morality and values behind the progress being made. In such a division controversies like genetically-engineered food bring home the difference as both the divides through the globe argue the safety of the food-albeit on different grounds. At the heart of the debate lies the argument that as yet, the effects of genetically modified crops and products on the human body are not known. However, there is no conclusive evidence of whether or not they can be harmful.."

Tags:east, west, FDA, poison, biotechnology, risk, label, population, health

Abstract
This paper explains, starting from the basics, what genetic engineering actually is, and how it is carried out. It details its uses in society and explains the risks involved and how to overcome them. Ethics and social values are included in the discussion.

Outline
Introduction
Principles of Genetic Engineering
Applications of Genetic Engineering
Hazards and Ethical and Social Implications of Genetic Engineering

From the Paper
"Restrictions have become less severe over the years, and genetic engineering is being applied more and more as public approval is constantly being sought. Nevertheless, this does not diminish the potential dangers of creating transgenic organisms. For example, consider the use of genetically modified organisms - GMO's - in the general environment, such as crop plants. Can such organisms be used safely? Suppose the pollen of these plants are transferred to wild relatives, thus injecting the gene into a different species. These plants may now act as weeds, and if the crop plants were engineered to be herbicide-resistant, then the weed will be similarly so. When a new type of oilseed rape resistant to the herbicide Basta was produced by the Belgian company 'Plant Genetic Systems' in 1994, there were concerns that rapeseed would act as a weed in hedgerows and would be impossible to control with Basta."

Tags:biotechnology, dna, gene, genome, gmo, nucleotide, plasmid, protein, virus