The Human Embryo Research Debates: Bioethics in the Vortex of Controversy [Hardcover]

Ronald M. Green (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 28, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0195109473 | ISBN-13: 978-0195109474 | Edition: 1

Research on the early human embryo has long been recognized as essential to progress in a host of biomedical areas from reproductive medicine to the treatment of pediatric cancers. Now, with the possibility of stem cell research and cell replacement therapies, embryo research holds out the promise of cures for many serious disease conditions such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Despite its importance, however, human embryo research has met powerful opposition. Drawing on his experience as a member of the NIH's Human Embryo Research Panel, Green offers a first-hand account of the embryo research debates. In telling this story, he periodically pauses to reflect on some of the leading philosophical challenges posed by embryo research and new interventions at the start of life. Among the questions he examines are: What is the impact of new biological information on our thinking about life's beginning? May parents risk injuring a child in order to have it? What role should religion play in shaping biomedical policy in a controversial area like this? This is a fascinating insider's account of one of the most important, if unsuccessful, recent efforts to come to terms with a controversial area of scientific research.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...it's important to grapple with this book in the debate about human life's beginning and its value." - The National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly

"Serious readers of science, philosophy, law and government who are interested in medical research cannot fail to enjoy The Human Embryo Research Debates. It should be required reading for students across these disciplines, not to mention for those on the right of so-called 'abortion politics'- if they care about the arguments, that is."--Nature December 2001

"...an absorbing account and an invaluable resource."--JAMA April 2002

"Serious readers of science, philosophy, law and government who are interested in medical research cannot fail to enjoy The Human Embryo Research Debates. It should be required reading for students across these disciplines, not to mention for those on the right of so-called 'abortion politics'- if they care about the arguments, that is."--Nature December 2001

"...an absorbing account and an invaluable resource."--JAMA April 2002

About the Author

Ronald M. Green is at Dartmouth College.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 1 edition (June 28, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195109473
• ISBN-13: 978-0195109474
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,076,357 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Biased but informative, July 26, 2007

By 

M. Lenz "eire" (Kansas, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Human Embryo Research Debates: Bioethics in the Vortex of Controversy (Hardcover)

It is obvious the author is biased to no-holds bar stem cell research. It does have some good information though if you want to know more about the debates of embryo research you just have to be able to read between the lines and think for yourself. I would suggest Stem Cell Now as a less biased report.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The one book to read on this subject, November 18, 2003

By 

Gregory E. Pence (Birmingham, AL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Human Embryo Research Debates: Bioethics in the Vortex of Controversy (Hardcover)

If you're only going to read one book on this subject, or need one book for a paper or report, this is the go-to book. Dartmouth professor Ron Green was on a national commission that studied the use of human embryos in research and he provides an insider's look at the deliberations, politics, and pressures on his commission.
He also offers a balanced, humane, scholarly look at the question, plus accurate information on the embryology and biology surrounding the issue.All in all, a great book.