Debate over embryonic stem cell research has been much in the news lately. The media picked up on the differences of opinion voiced at the recent bishop's conference in Perth, although no vote was taken by the bishops. However, a vote will be required at the upcoming meeting of the Australian heads of government, when Federal and State ministers debate whether or not to allow embryonic stem cell research to proceed in Australia.
Stem cells are basic cells which, under the right conditions, can specialize to perform a particular function. They are found in many different tissues including the brain, liver and bone marrow. The most useful stem cells for research purposes come from embryos in the first few days after fertilization. Unfortunately, collecting such embryonic cells destroys the embryo, and it is this which arouses debate.
Those in favour of allowing research using human embryonic stem cells point to the potential (but as yet unproven) promise of using stem cells to cure diseases such as Parkinsons disease, diabetes and Alzheimers disease, as well as to provide material for transplants. They argue that since the embryos would come from a surplus created by IVF programmes and would eventually be disposed of anyway, it makes ethical sense to use them to do some good. The more pragmatic warn that Australia is being left behind in a line of research which is already going ahead in countries such as the UK and China.
Other supporters, such as Archbishop Carnley, argue that the embryo does not become truly human until conception, when it embeds in the uterus (usually about fourteen days after fertilization). Thus, the sanctity of human life is (apparently) preserved if embryos are used before this time.
Those opposed to the use of embryonic stem cells maintain that human life begins at fertilization, and that to argue otherwise is hairsplitting. The end (new treatments for serious diseases) cannot be used to justify the means. They generally have no argument with stem cell research using cells collected from non-embryonic sources, provided consent is obtained.
Given the current ethical climate, it is probable that sooner or later research using embryonic stem cells will go ahead in Australia. So should we just shrug our shoulders and forget about it? Unfortunately, we can't. If the promised benefits of stem cell research are realized, then at some future time we, or one of our family, may well be offered medical treatment based on the products of embryonic stem cells. At that point, we will have to decide whether or not we agree with the use of human embryos to produce such treatment.
Stella
March 24, 2002