The Boundaries Of Humanity: The Ethics Of Human Animal Chimeras In Cloning And Stem Cell Research

Advances in molecular and cell biology are opening new possibilities for combining human and animal cells, tissues, and organs. These projects could have important scientific and medical benefits, but open ethical dilemmas that challenge our traditional notions of the boundaries of humanity. Beginning with an overview of the goals and likely limitations of this research, we seek a framework of fundamental principles that can at once open avenues of scientific advance and defend human dignity. Reflection on these difficult dilemmas can promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of what defines and distinguishes the human creature.