Ethical issues in biomedical use of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs)

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), owing to their potential promise to develop into any somatic cell type, have radicalized biotechnology research and application in clinical medicine. The source of hESCs has traditionally been viable cells retrieved from preimplantation stage embryos grown in culture in IVF-ET clinics. The present article deals with various crucial moral, ethical and governance issues pertaining to biomedical research and clinical application using hESCs. We have also addressed the progress of clinical translation of hESC biotechnology from its inception to the present scenario and its consequent societal impact today. Additionally, various safety factors which are to be instituted before clinical applications of hESC products to patients have been discussed. Finally, the ethical progress about the dilemma between treating the hESC as potential ‘human being’ and as an instrument to alleviate the sufferings of human race has been examined from various scientific and epistemic perspectives.