Stem-cell debate complicated
Science, ethics color opposing views on research for cures.
Gannett News Service
http://www.detnews.com/2004/politics...a06-276704.htm
Question: Why is there objection to embryonic stem-cell research if it could possibly benefit victims of debilitating diseases?
Answer: Ethics, morals, religious thought and international law complicate the issue.
Unlike adult stem cells, which are safely extracted from living people, embryonic stem-cell research relies on the destruction of a dot-sized mass of human cells. If implanted in a woman and allowed to grow, these cells could develop into a fetus' liver, kidneys, eyes, muscles and all other organs and tissue that comprise the body.
Opponents of the research say it violates existing international law, such as the 1949 Nuremberg Code, which prohibits experimental research on subjects without their informed consent; and the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki, which says considerations related to the well-being of the human subject take precedence over the interests of science and society.
"There are many scientific questions we may never know the answers to simply because the research that is necessary is amoral," said Cindy Province, associate director of the nonprofit St. Louis Center for Bioethics and Culture.
Ruth R. Faden, a professor of biomedical ethics at Johns Hopkins University, said international law applies only to established world citizens.
"If you believe a five-day old embryo warrants full membership and rights and the full respect that humans are entitled to, then not only do Helsinki and Nuremberg apply, but the (U.S.) Constitution applies," said Faden, director of Hopkins' Berman Bioethics Institute. "Others of us don't believe that."
Q: Why not just use adult stem cells for research?
A: Scientists consider embryonic stem cells the gold standard for stem-cell research because the budding cells are unformed and can differentiate into any type of human cell or tissue. As stem cells mature, they multiply and divide into cells specialized for bones, blood or kidneys and such. Embryonic cells are valued for their flexibility.
According to the National Institutes of Health, embryonic stem cells are "pluripotent," meaning they are able to give rise to cells found in all tissues of the embryo except for germ cells. Adult stem cells are considered "multipotent," meaning they are restricted in what they become.
Q: What is an embryonic stem-cell line?
A: It's the family of cells dissected and isolated from an embryo, then cultured to divide continuously and differentiate into various types of cells.
Q: How are embryonic stem cells administered?
A: No human tests have been done. In lab tests, these cells have been injected into mice or rats that have acute spinal cord injuries. Doses of these cells can be frozen and shipped.
Q: Can state governments fund embryonic stem-cell research with no restrictions?
A: Yes. Various state governments are considering bills that condone, endorse or even fund embryonic stem-cell research.