Ethical and Jurisprudential Considerations of Stem Cell Donation in the Gulf

Author First name, Last name, Institution

• Ayesha Mubarak Aldhabah Alketbi, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi Campus
• Walaaeldeen Mohamed Ibraheem, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi Campus
• Shaikha Ahmed Altaffaq, University of Khorfakkan
• Hanadi Sharif Murad Mohamed, University of Khorfakkan
• Noura Nasir Alkarbi, University of Sharjah
• Fatima Saleh Mohammed Al Blooshi, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi Campus
• Sharifa Ali Hashem Alblooshi, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi Campus

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Experimental and Clinical Transplantation

Publication Date

7-1-2026

Abstract

Stem cell donation has become an important component of contemporary regenerative medicine, particularly in the treatment of hematological malignancies, immune deficiencies, genetic disorders, and selected metabolic diseases. However, its implementation in Muslim Gulf societies remains shaped by medical awareness, legal clarity, institutional readiness, and religiousethical considerations. In this study, we examined community and physician perspectives on stem cell donation in the Gulf Cooperation Council context, with particular attention to Islamic jurisprudence, ethical values, and regulatory frameworks. We adopted an integrative design, combining doctrinal legal and jurisprudential analysis with 2 cross-sectional surveys. The community survey included 65 participants and examined awareness, perceived barriers, religious considerations, registration intention, and willingness to donate. The physician survey included 55 medical doctors and assessed professional knowledge, perceived therapeutic importance, institutional support, legal awareness, and policy preferences. Findings showed that both community members and physicians recognized the humanitarian and therapeutic value of stem cell donation, yet this positive perception had not translated into active registration or strong system-level engagement. Among community participants, lack of information, uncertainty regarding religious rulings, and limited awareness of registration mechanisms emerged as key barriers. Among physicians, limited familiarity with legal frameworks and inadequate institutional support were central constraints. Strengthening stem cell donation in the Gulf Cooperation Council requires coordinated educational initiatives, clear religious guidance, stronger institutional training, and legally transparent opt-in donation systems that respect cultural, ethical, and religious sensitivities.

DOI Link

10.6002/ect.mesot2025.p181

ISSN

1304-0855

Publisher

Baskent University

Volume

24

Issue

6

First Page

380

Last Page

388

Disciplines

Law | Medicine and Health Sciences

Keywords

Community awareness, Explicit consent, Gulf Cooperation Council, Islamic bioethics, Legal framework, Physicians, Regenerative medicine, Shariah

Scopus ID

105045860339

Recommended Citation

Alketbi, Ayesha Mubarak Aldhabah; Ibraheem, Walaaeldeen Mohamed; Altaffaq, Shaikha Ahmed; Mohamed, Hanadi Sharif Murad; Alkarbi, Noura Nasir; Al Blooshi, Fatima Saleh Mohammed; and Alblooshi, Sharifa Ali Hashem, "Ethical and Jurisprudential Considerations of Stem Cell Donation in the Gulf" (2026). All Works. 8336.
https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/works/8336

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no