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Using Surplus Embryos and Research Embryos in Stem Cell Research: Ethical Viewpoints of Buddhist, Hindu and Catholic Leaders in Malaysia on the Permissibility of Research

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Abstract

The sources of embryos for Embryonic Stem Cell Research (ESCR) include surplus embryos from infertility treatments, and research embryos which are created solely for an ESCR purpose. The latter raises more ethical concerns. In a multi-religious country like Malaysia, ethical discussions on the permissibility of ESCR with regard to the use surplus and research embryos are diversified. Malaysia has formulated guidelines influenced by the national fatwa ruling which allows the use of surplus embryos in ESCR. Input from other main religions is yet to be documented. In light of this, this study addresses (i) the ethical viewpoints of Buddhist, Hindu and Catholic leaders on the permissibility of using surplus and research embryos; and (ii) the moral standpoints of religious leaders towards attaining a consensus on the practice of ESCR in Malaysia. Responses from the religious leaders were obtained via semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. The findings show that generally the Buddhist and Hindu leaders approve the use of surplus embryos. Their responses on the creation of research embryos for ESCR are varied. Meanwhile, the Catholic leaders distinctively objected to ESCR regardless of the embryo sources, referring to it as the destruction of life. Taking into account the diverse views, this study explores the response of the religious leaders for a general consensus wherever possible. The ethical discourse surrounding ESCR in a multi-religious setting offers new perspective, which needs to be explored in a broader global community.

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Acknowledgements

This study is part of my doctoral research, and partly supported by University of Malaya PPP Grant, PS 023 2012-A. The author wishes to thank Associate Professor Dr. Siti Nurani Mohd Noor from University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, and also the religious leaders who participated in this study.

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  1. Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Mathana Amaris Fiona Sivaraman

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  1. Mathana Amaris Fiona Sivaraman
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Correspondence to Mathana Amaris Fiona Sivaraman.

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Human and Animal Rights

This study does not involve clinical intervention using human or animal subjects.

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Informed consent was obtained in writing prior to interviews from all the religious leaders who participated in this study.

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Sivaraman, M.A.F. Using Surplus Embryos and Research Embryos in Stem Cell Research: Ethical Viewpoints of Buddhist, Hindu and Catholic Leaders in Malaysia on the Permissibility of Research. Sci Eng Ethics 24, 129–149 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-017-9893-3

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