ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on early human embryos – embryos that are less than 14 days old. These embryos are hollow balls of cells of about 0.2 mm diameter in size. In at least 12 countries, including the US and the UK, it is unlawful for researchers to conduct research on embryos beyond 14 days. The great majority of embryos used for research are embryos created in the course of an in vitro fertilisation treatment, but no longer wanted for reproductive purposes; sometimes embryos are also especially created for the purpose of research. Thus, embryo research may lead to knowledge and the development of therapies that will lengthen lives, alleviate suffering, and allow people to better achieve their reproductive goals. According to the intermediate moral status view, deliberately destroying embryos for research is always problematic, but sometimes can be justified if the reasons for doing so are strong enough.
