Human Embryonic Stem Cell Controversy (Patents Involving Ethical and Human Rights Concern)

Abstract

Present thesis concerns one of the controversial topics of this era - the embryonic stem cell debate, more precisely in connection with their patents, ethics and human rights. The thesis deals with various alternative opinions that make this issue a hot topic. While different viewpoints will be discussed, I bring up human rights issues into this debate, which will emphasize a possible conflict between embryonic stem cell patents and human rights. This thesis aims to introduce human rights perspective into the patent laws in regards to the embryonic stem cell research. Other than that, the thesis will highlight the importance of ethics in this discussion, which has to lead into the reflection of some ethical aspects in intellectual property legislation. Hence, the thesis addresses embryonic stem cell debate and suggests the consideration of human rights and ethical perspectives in intellectual property law, resulting in building human rights framework for the Intellectual Property law.

Keywords: Embryonic stem cell, patents, ethics, bioethics, human rights, intellectual property, right to life of unborn, human dignity