Table 2 Generated study themes
From: Ethical challenges regarding the use of stem cells: interviews with researchers from Saudi Arabia
| Sources of stem cell | Permitted resources | Adult stem cells |
| Pluripotent stem cells | ||
| Umbilical cord blood | ||
| Placenta | ||
| Aborted fetuses for therapeutic reasons | ||
| Spontaneously miscarried fetuses less than 120 days old | ||
| Forbidden | Fetuses aborted for a non-therapeutic indication | |
| Spontaneously miscarried fetuses more than 120 days old | ||
| Informed consent | Importance of informed consent | |
| Purpose of research should be mentioned | ||
| Withdrawal should be respected | ||
| Explanation is important and required | ||
| The IRB should review and approve the consent | ||
| Beneficence | Any use of stem cells should be beneficial | |
| Potential benefits to others | ||
| Should use approved procedures | ||
| Transparency | ||
| False hopes may lead to negative consequences | ||
| Regulations | Following the international regulations related to stem cell research | |
| Consideration of Islamic Laws (Fatwas) and Beliefs | ||
| Lack of the local regulation | ||
| Lack of adequate knowledge in researchers, and their need for training | ||