Is embryo research supported by religious/moral teachings?

A question often raised to examine the morality of embryo research is the issue of when a human becomes a human – when does life really begin? Most people agree that no testing should take place if the embryo is older than fourteen days, before this the fertilised egg is known as a pre-embryo, however the views that an individual holds on this question will largely determine their view on embryo research. Personal experience will usually be the source of people's emotions and no teachings, no matter how logical or reasonable, will replace beliefs and ideas about the world that each person has. There are many other issues raised which question the morality of research on embryos but it is this question that causes most debate.

Those who agree with embryo research might say that even religiou

For those, including Roman Catholics, who believe that life begins at conception, experimenting on embryos goes against the teachings about the sanctity of life. Roman Catholics feel that the demands of science should not take priority over individuals or potential individuals, especially when they are defenceless. Roman Catholics feel that using embryos for research is the misuse of a human or potential human life. It may be seen as taking a life and so against the commandment not to kill, even though it has potential benefit to save thousands of lives. They are against the practice of embryo research and want it stopped. The Catholic Church teaches that from the moment of conception, once a sperm unites with an ovum, it is murder to destroy it. Its status is that of a member of the human race. No research involving embryos is therefore acceptable.

Questions about embryo research, for Christians, are normally related to the belief in the sanctity of life. Christians believe that life is sacred and a gift from God, however individuals will differ in the way they understand the idea of the sanctity of life. The question of embryo research depends upon how Christians view the embryo. Different Christians will have different views on this issue.

It may be argued that to live long

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