Tissue Engineering Controversy

Tissue engineering is a branch of biomedical engineering that focuses on isolating the body’s ability to heal and amplify this natural response. The paradigm of tissue engineering is composed of three major components: a tissue scaffold; biological factors; and cells. Among these three components, the source of the cells used in the medical device is the largest source of controversy. Not only can the origin of the cells affect the funding of an engineering project, but it can even lead to the overall rejection of the project by society if they feel that the source is morally objectionable. This essay will explore two common sources of pluripotent cells used in tissue engineering, the laws that are set in place in accordance with their research, and the overall public opinion of the sources of cell. We will then look at the ethics of tissue engineering in accordance to the utilitarian perspective as well as how it fits Kant’s duty ethics (how it can violate autonomy and the Mere Means Principle). From this discussion we hope to address the question of if tissue engineering is morally acceptable. Although we will try to analyze both sides of the argument from a non-biased prospective, the

While confusing, this could explain why the nation is divided largely on this issue. This division in conclusions is also expected since both theories have radically different values. Although there are large moral barriers to tissue engineering, its benefits seem to outweigh the moral implication. There will always be some individuals that consider tissue engineering immoral, but the benefits it holds to society are innumerous. To stop tissue engineering would not only be unethical, but immoral by preventing procedures that could alleviate and or heal an individual’s