The Human Embryonic Stem Cell Debate: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy

As President Bush tries to make up his mind over the stem cell controversy, the issue remains headline news. The Human Embryonic Stem Cell Debate: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy, edited by social ethics academics Suzanne Holland, Karen Lebacqz and Laurie Zoloth and third in MIT's Basic Bioethics series edited by Glenn McGee and Arthur Caplan, gathers 20 essays by scholars (including the editors) of theology, biology, medicine, medical and bioethics, philosophy and other disciplines. Fran oise Baylis discusses the National Bioethics Advisory Commission's recommendation that stem cell research be federally funded. Rabbi Elliott N. Dorff analyzes the debate through a Jewish theological lens. Thomas B. Okarma, president and CEO of Geron Corporation, a biotechnology corporation that initiated stem cell research in 1996, offers ""A Primer on the Technology and Its Medical Applications."" Others weigh in with Christian, Roman Catholic, historical, feminist, social justice and public policy perspectives. Three illus. Sept.)