Cardiac organoids do not warrant additional moral scrutiny

BMC Med Ethics. 2024 May 21;25(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s12910-024-01064-6.

Abstract

Certain organoid subtypes are particularly sensitive. We explore whether moral intuitions about the heartbeat warrant unique moral consideration for newly advanced contracting cardiac organoids. Despite the heartbeat's moral significance in organ procurement and abortion discussions, we argue that this significance should not translate into moral implications for cardiac organoids.

Keywords: Abortion; Ethics; Heartbeat; Moral intuitions; Moral status; Organ donation; Organoids.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Heart / physiology
  • Humans
  • Morals*
  • Myocardium / cytology
  • Organoids*
  • Tissue and Organ Procurement / ethics