PubMed · 10604443
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1999-12-09. Wise progress with embryos.. https://doi.org/10.1038/45014
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Much recent interest has focused on whether stem cell therapy could alleviate or even cure common degenerative diseases. This has been accompanied by debate on the ethics of destructive research on early human embryos. Stem cells derived from various sources raise different ethical issues, but their contribution to medical research could be immense. Any use of stem cells should be subject to appropriate scientific and ethical review.
OBJECTIVES: Renewed interest in living donor transplantation in France led us to survey French transplanters to determine their opinion concerning this technique and the ethical issues involved. Their concerns and suggestions about current legislation were examined. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was sent to physicians working in the different kidney, liver and lung transplantation units operating in France. RESULTS: French transplanters expressed a wide range of opinions concerning living donor transplantation and possible broadening of the current regulations. Sixty-two percent of the transplanters had a positive opinion on living donor transplantation compared with 22% who expressed a negative opinion. For 23% of the transplanters, it is preferable to transplant with a living donor graft compared with 64% who preferred cadaveric grafts. A living donor transplantation program is under study in 65% of the units. There is some debate concerning the legitimate nature of the emergency donation situation for spouses. About one-half of the transplanters were in favor of controlled extension of potential donors to second degree relatives and to the recipient's spouse or living partner. CONCLUSION: There is no real consensus among French transplanters concerning living donor transplantation due to the complexity of the ethical issues involved. Their opinions reflect medical tradition with background marked by autonomy and paternalism. This leads to a wide range of opinions concerning current bioethics legislation and the usefulness of more flexible laws.