ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors explore the broad issues, illustrating with examples the way in which society perceives and is responding to the new challenges and opportunities that stem cell science raises. Although politicians and legislators try to reflect the view of the public at large, or at least they think they do, individual governmental stances on stem cell ethics tend to follow their country's religious and ethical foundations. Not all controversy and misrepresentation relating to stem cells is restricted to their application in humans. Our animal companions, whether domesticated pets, farm animals, or wild species, provide both genuine and spurious opportunities for application of stem cell-based products or knowledge and equally can raise ethical issues. Finally, the authors end on the financial implications of stem cell applications, since all of the scientific research and clinical trials might be in vain if the cost of novel therapies and the actual improvement in life quality cannot be squared with the cost.
