Ezekiel Emanuel’s Views on Stem Cell Research and Embryo Right to Life Issues
Comments (0) Two weeks after Cassanda Effect reported on The Health Care Chart that Will Scare YOU to DEATH, the main stream media has woken up to his cold calculus, and are now DEFENDING it.
Let me be clear, the issue is not about Ezekiel Emanuel as a person. He is a respected physician, his past work clearly advocates for people dying with dignity, and he seems like a thoughtful man.
The issue we face is the notion of the GOVERNMENT developinga process on health care rationing with consequences that are deeply disturbign to anyoen who has ever dealt with a government agency.
Zeke Emanuel’s ethical approach is focused on social benefits – he is a Utilitarian, the greatest good for the greatest number.
View a talk he gave on the ethics of stem cell research at the Aspen Institute on August 1st 2009 (two weeks ago) HERE. Watch the video at the 45 minute mark to see his discussion on when an embryo has moral rights.
He states that you can’t understand the ethics until you understand the biology. He acknowledges the embryo should be treated with special significance. With respect and dignity. But not in the same way we treat babies and adults.
When asked if an embryo has moral rights , he tries to sidestep the issue by asking “what does my view matter”. He is the advisor to President Obama! That is why it matters!
He doesn’t buy the essentialist argument that the embryo in “en-souled”
“We have a gradation over time – there is not a bright line”
And there lies the issue. Moral Relativism and Utilitarian Moral Ethics versus the Sanctity of Life.
