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ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLES |
Research On Ageing And Stem Cells. Intimations With Indefinitely Prolonged Lives (ipls)
Frida SIMONSTEINa
aBSc, MSc, PhD, Center for Women's Health Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, ISRAEL
This paper argues that continuous research may unveil the ageing process and lead, perhaps, to finally controlling this process altogether. Equally, stem cells, with their ability to replace damaged tissues and organs may open new horizons for prolonging-life therapies. The paper suggests that stopping this research is improbable, but also undesirable, because if successful, millions of people will greatly benefit. On the other hand, this progression in curing disease may result in prolonging life, maybe indefinitely. This paper explores notions of human indefinitely prolonged life [IPL] - assuming that IPL maintains people's health and full capabilities - and suggests that existing claims against IPL, such as overpopulation, reduced brain capacity and possible personal boredom, do not justify avoiding IPL when, and if it becomes available. Nor does global justice require people from developed societies to give up their lives. It concludes however, that, although we should not prevent people from living longer lives, new schemes of morality should be developed with this perspective.Keywords: Ageing, longevity, stem cells research,
indefinitely prolonged lives [IPL]Turkiye Klinikleri J Med Ethics 2005, 13:1-5
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