Stem cells and the emerging field of regenerative medicine are at the
frontiers of modern medicine. These areas of scientific inquiry suggest
that in the future, damaged tissue and organs might be repaired through
personalized cell therapy as easily as the body repairs itself,
revolutionizing the treatment of numerous diseases. Yet the use of stem
cells is fraught with ethical and public policy dilemmas that challenge
scientists, clinicians, the public health community, and people of good
will everywhere. How shall we deal with these amazing biomedical
advances, and how can we talk about potential breakthroughs with both
moral and scientific intelligence?
This book provides an innovative look at these vexing issues through a
series of innovative Socratic dialogues that elucidate key scientific
and ethical points in an approachable manner. Addressing the cultural
and value issues underlying stem cell research while also educating
readers about stem cells' biological function and medical applications,
Stem Cell Dialogues features fictional characters engaging in
compelling inquiry and debate. Participants investigate the scientific,
political, and socioethical dimensions of stem cell science using actual
language, analysis, and arguments taken from scientific, philosophical,
and popular literature. Each dialogue centers on a specific,
recognizable topic, such as the policies implemented by the George W.
Bush administration restricting the use of embryonic stem cells; the
potential role of stem cells in personalized medicine; the ethics of
cloning; and the sale of eggs and embryos. Additionally, speakers debate
the use of stem cells to treat paralysis, diabetes, stroke effects,
macular degeneration, and cancer. Educational, entertaining, and
rigorously researched (with 300 references to scientific literature),
Stem Cell Dialogues should be included in any effort to help the
public understand the science, ethics, and policy concerns of this
promising field.
