The ethics of using embryos in research

The analysis of the debate on the use of embryos for research reveals that those who attribute a high moral value to the embryo introduce two principles: the subsidiarity principle and the separation principle. The subsidiarity principle introduces a ranking in the organisms to be used and destroyed in research. The separation principle cuts the link between the creation of the embryo, the destruction of the embryo and the decision to discard the embryo and the use of the embryonic cells and tissues for research. By doing so, one attempts to avoid complicity of the researchers before and after the fact. It is concluded that one could accept compromises in embryo research on the condition that the restrictions and adaptations do not lead to significant loss of safety, efficacy and time.