‘That This House Supports the Use of Embryonic Stem Cells for Scientific Study’

Venue: Kirwan Theatre (Arts Concourse NUI Galway)

Date: Wednesday 16th March

Time: 7pm

Speakers: Dr. Richard Hull- Philosophy Department NUIG

This Wednesday, March 16th, the Literary and Debating Society will be hosting its Stem Cell Research Debate in the Kirwan Theatre at 7pm.  Speaking on the night will be Dr. Richard Hull who is a Professor of Philosophy at NUIG and Director of COBRA (Centre of Bioethical Research and Analysis).

Embryonic stem cell research is a rapidly evolving field of biomedical research.  Scientists have great hope for this type of research and its potential to uncover treatments and possibly even cures for some of the worst diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Diabetes.

However, the process is considered controversial and does raise considerable ethical issues.  In the past, this research provoked fear regarding the possibility of human cloning.  Nowadays, the main issue related to embryonic stem cell research involves the ongoing debate over when life begins. Some say that life begins at conception and that the use of humans, even immature ones, for research purposes is unethical.

So should legislation on embryonic stem cell research be introduced in Ireland? Does the potential benefits out- weigh the potential harms? Or is it simply just an ethical minefield?  Join the Literary and Debating society this Wednesday evening for a lively and interesting discussion as we ask the question, ‘Should we Support the Use of Embryonic Stem Cells for Scientific Study?’  All are welcome to attend and give their own thoughts on the subject.