The Embryo: Scientific Discovery and Medical Ethics

Sophisticated imaging devices and new biological technologies have greatly enhanced our ability to detect an ever increasing number of fetal malformations during pregnancy. Elucidation of the human genetic code and exact molecular definition of various diseases, together with enhanced capabilities for repairing genetic defects have opened possibilities for diagnosis and treatment which, less than a decade ago, could only have been dreamed of. However, many clinical topics related to the embryo and human genetics as well as the issues of cloning and the use of human embryonic stem cells have outpaced our ability to keep up appropriate public discourse of ethical, religious, and legal issues. This book is designed to bridge the gap between scientific innovation, treating clinicians, and parents in whose unborn child a malformation was detected and who face a difficult and confusing decision-making process. All chapters were written by leading authorities and reflect the state of the art as well as the authors’ personal experiences, unique perspectives, and predictions for developments in their fields in the near future. Specialists in obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive medicine, pediatrics and neonatology, genetics, molecular biology, philosophy, ethics and law will benefit from this book written by international experts in their fields.