Tibetan and Himalayan Library - THL

Description: This editorial highlights the views and practices of Buddhists from traditionally Buddhist countries on the use of embryonic stem cells. While Buddhist teachings (specifically the Vinaya) says that life begins at conception, Asian Buddhists generally hold liberal attitudes to abortion and stem cell use. Some Asian Buddhists see medical research as a way to relieve suffering and therefore are less likely to object to harming a fetus in certain situations. Buddhist ethics are guidelines, not laws that must be followed. As guidelines, they allow for a gradient of opinions depending on the situation. If for example, the person doing research has a good motivation or if what's being studied is not a complex organism (and thus has only amassed enough karma to be a simple life-form), bio-medical research which involves taking another's life may be permissable, even if performed with some discomfort. (Zach Rowinski 2005-01-01)

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