The immortal life of ethics? The alienation of body tissue, ethics and the informed consent procedure within induced pluripotent stem cell research

Abstract

In this chapter, we discuss the creation, in 2007, of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as an ethical alternative to human embryonic stem cells. In so doing, we raise a series of questions around the social, ethical and legal issues associated with iPSC. Drawing on empirical research, we explore results from an in-depth study into participant motivations for donating tissue for the generation of patient-specific iPSCs, and discuss participant attitudes and understanding of ethical issues surrounding iPSC research. We suggest that current ethical and informed consent practices and guidelines are not adequate for emerging biotechnologies, such as iPSCs, and argue that new methods of commu..