Torch, Spring/Summer 2007

8 TORCH bone marrow have already become fairly specialized and are destined to become blood cells of one type or another. These would not be much help in growing new brain or heart cells. Donated stem cells must be from an earlier stage of development. Some researchers claim that the best source is a human embryo, composed exclusively of unprogrammed early stem cells, any one of which may become the precursor of adult tissues and organs. There are only two possible sources of human embryos. As we saw earlier, the leftover embryos from reproductive technologies are one possible source. A second source of embryos is human cloning, scientifically called “somatic cell nuclear transfer,” where DNA is combined in a laboratory to create an embryo. The harvesting of stem cells from both of these sources destroys the embryos, and this creates a real ethical dilemma. What are the ethics of destroying human embryos for research? Those who hold to the conception view of human personhood believe that an embryo is a human person. This has been the Christian church’s traditional understanding for centuries, and many secular philosophers agree with this idea. Nonetheless, the seductive promise of stem cell research has fostered a mentality that the end justifies the means. Yet here’s a fact that may surprise you: For all of the hype and promise of embryonic stem cell research, there is not a single research study or medical treatment that is currently helping any human being. Conservative ethicists are often accused of a lack of compassion because of their opposition to destructive embryo research, yet there is not a single study that has demonstrated any benefit for any medical condition. All of the excitement is about a future potential not yet realized. However, there is a form of stem cell research going on today, quietly helping people and saving lives, without any ethical controversy. At last count, more than 70 current studies have shown benefit from stem cells derived from the discarded umbilical cords of newborn babies, skin cells and fat cells of adults, and even cells from adult bone marrow. Since the cells derived from these sources are not truly pluripotent, there are limitations, yet the ongoing research has been creative and promising. No human beings are destroyed to achieve these modern medical miracles. Because of the limitations of non- embryonic stem cells, many are still pushing to expand governmental funding of destructive embryo research. Along the way, some people have asked a thoughtful question: “In the case of frozen embryos left over from fertility treatments, why shouldn’t we use them for research, since they are going to be destroyed anyway?” That is an important question, one we should not take lightly.