Since scientific research has been undertaken using the human embryo as a test subject a number of issues have been raised which cause controversy and divide opinion. It is an issue which is more important in society today than ever before as medical advances cause implications for many people. Just how far embryo research could ever be supported by religious or moral teachings is a matter of significant importance in the debate.
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 religious people should support it as it can be used as a means to preserve the sanctity of life and religious teachings enforce the value of life. As human beings we are morally obliged to help those who suffer and by testing on embryos, which perhaps wouldn't be used for any other purpose, we are given the ability to help those in need. If testing on a few "spare" embryos could save thousands of lives, isn't the immorality of embryo research void? Many would disagree claiming that life is a gift from God and that humans have no right to make the decisions on suffering and human life that embryo research permits us to make - it almost allows us to play God and only God should have that right and responsibility.
