Abstract
An Eco theological reflection on Christian-ethical implications of stem cell research and therapyThe new biotechnological context in which in vitro fertilisation, the human genome project, and stem cell research have become realities, confronts both society and theology with unique challenges. These realities compel us to revisit ethical questions regarding human life. The main aim of this study is to contribute to the transversal debate about Christian ethics, natural sciences and biotechnological development, from a post-foundational perspective. The research results do not aim to lay down ethical rules as absolute truths, but rather to reflect on different viewpoints, values, characteristics, virtues, moral narratives and perspectives with regard to these complex ethical dilemmas. The broadening of moral narratives, and the revaluing of relational Christiananthropological perspectives, are being presented as an alternative to the strict monolithically orientated ideas of truth, objectivity and reason.
Highlights
Embrioniese stamselle toon dieselfde eienskappe as volwasse selle, behalwe dat hierdie selle gedurende die vroeë ontwikkeling van die embrio gevorm word, en nog nie in daardie stadium as ‘n spesifieke soort sel gespesialiseer het nie
Dit is duidelik dat hierdie nuwe biotegnologiese verband waarin in vitro-bevrugting, die MGP, en stamselnavorsing en -terapie ‘n werklikheid geword het, nuwe uitdagings tot die samelewing en ook die teologie rig
Die etos van die Christelike kerk kan om dieselfde rede nooit in ‘n stagnante gietvorm van fundamentalistiese versekerdheid verval nie, maar behoort in die gesprek met die wêreld organies te groei en aan te pas
Summary
Die opspraakwekkende kloning van Dolly die skaap op 05 Julie 1996 het deur middel van ‘somatiese selkernoordrag’ plaasgevind. Somatiese selkernoordrag behels die onttrekking van die kern van ‘n eiersel. Daarna volg die onttrekking van die kern van ‘n somatiese sel (enige liggaamsel behalwe ‘n sperm- of eiersel). In die praktyk sou hierdie somatiese sel van die pasiënt geoes word wat die terapie moet ontvang. Die kern van die somatiese sel word dan in die eiersel ingeplant. Die grootste voordele van hierdie proses is dat die gekweekte selle ook pluripotent is, en dus in enige orgaan of weefsel kan differensieer. Dié proses skakel boonop immuniteitsverwerping uit, omdat die pasiënt se eie genetiese materiaal gebruik word. Met behulp van dié metode kan wetenskaplikes voorts ‘n pasiëntspesifieke terapie ontwikkel, wat pasgemaak is vir die betrokke pasiënt se mediese toestand (Colman & Kind 2000:192–196). Met die nodige wetgewing en goeie beheer kan hierdie tegniek egter groot voordele vir siektegenesing inhou (Lanza, Cibelli & West 1999:975–977)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
