Case: An Ethical Dilemma

Make a report covering the following steps and addressing the following points listed below. Make your report in a Word document and submit for grading. Generally speaking, your report should be approximately two pages in length, using APA style. You should use at least two resources to support your findings.

Moore Cellular Technology is embarking on a major activity - "to produce the world's first-ever cloned human embryo...a microscopic version of an already living person." Peter Moore, Chief Executive of Moore Cellular Technology, and Bart Steel, VP of PGMT Development, have begun implementing this goal by seeking women to serve as egg donors. As the stem cells are captured, the embryo is destroyed. Stem cells are believed to be able to develop into human tissue that could help cure a variety of diseases or even repair a severed spinal cord. This process is known as therapeutic cloning.

Moore Cell Technology's goal, of course, is facing a major debate. If such research is proven effective, many diseases as we know them today - like Parkinson's disease and Muscular Dystrophy - could be eliminated. Similar research is being conducted in other parts of the globe, such as Europe, where it has received support. To help ensure the highest ethics enter into all decisions made, Peter Moore has formed an ethical board of advisors consisting of scientists and professors of religion.

Critics of such research see this differently. They view stem cell research as the next step toward cloning human, and at times, liken such research to creating a "great society." Religious groups, too, have voiced this concern over Moore's Cell's decisions, claiming that they are working in an area where we do not belong. The federal government has also entered into the discussion, often regulating what kind of stem cell research is funded by government. Even some Moore Cellular Technology ethics board members have resigned, complaining that Moore Cellular is more interested in "obtaining patents in the field and using the board as a rubber stamp."

Make an argument for stem-cell research or against stem-cell research to present to the Moore Cellular Technology board of advisors. You may have strong opinions for or against stem cell research. However, focus on your reasoning process and upon the practical realities. Your argument must address the following items:

• Who are the stakeholders? Who has a vested interest in the decision and will be affected by it? Rank their importance and explain the ranking.
• What is the real problem?
• What choices does Moore Cellular have? Are there other alternatives that would help them address the problem?
• Do you believe that a company like Moore Cellular Technology can make ethical decisions in this arena when so much is at stake?
• Should public opinion keep a company from doing something simply because it is unpopular - even though it is legal? What's your opinion?