Stem Cells: Part 5. The ethics of stem cell use

Promotional photo of Boris Karloff from Frankenstein.
Universal Pictures, 1931.

COMMENTARY: In our modern society, scientific advancements can directly influence individual’s lives. However, the speed at which new technologies is developed and implemented often outpaces societal understanding and values. From a scientific perspective, researchers work to determine answers to basic questions such as “is it possible to…” or “how does this work?” However, just because something is possible to do, the views of society determine whether or not it should be done.

In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein written in the early 1800s, a scientist is depicted as violating the natural order of life. Dr. Frankenstein brings his creature to life with electricity from a bolt of lightning a little over 50 years since Benjamin Franklin demonstrated that properties of electricity in lightning. It also followed soon after demonstrations by Luigi Galvani that frog muscles would twitch when stimulated with electricity. Is it any wonder that Shelley used the new power of electricity to reanimate a dead body?

In its very essence, concepts involving stem cells evoke feelings of science fiction. Taking an isolated cell into the laboratory and allowing it to grow under controlled conditions into replacement cells, tissues or organs challenges the imagination. However, acceptance that these things are possible open the door for going a step further, the growing an entire organism in the laboratory. It is important to recognize that scientific organizations such as the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences and physician’s groups such as the American Medical Association have issued proclamations against the prospect of human cloning. Still attempts to pass legislation preventing human cloning have failed to be approved.

In examining the ethical views of stem cell use, it is important to recognize the difference between cells derived from adult body cells and those stem cells derived from embryos.

In a very real sense, adult stem cells are morally equivalent to donated tissues or organs. While these cells have the potential to grow into a range of body structures, it is not possible for them to develop into a cloned individual. The decision to provide the cells is made by an individual based on informed consent of the procedures.

In contrast, embryonic stem cells represent and ethical quandary with strong and justifiable viewpoints for and against their use.

Proponents put forward a utilitarian argument that the greatest good is provided to the greatest number through the use of embryonic stem cells. From a humanitarian viewpoint, the vast potential of stem cells in the treatement of disease and the alleviation of pain and suffering is a powerful motivator.

The alternative viewpoint is based on the definition of “persons” and focuses on when an individual is awarded basic human rights. In society there is a prohibition against the taking of a life and even physicians take an oath to “do no harm.”
Opposition to embryonic stem cells is based on the premise that human rights begin at conception when the egg is fertilized. Isolation of cells generally results in the destruction of these early embryos.

The guidelines proposed by the National Institutes of Health in response to President Obama’s Executive Order for the generation of new stem cell lines takes a compromised position. Stem cells can be isolated from embryos that are going to be discarded, but not from embryos created for the sole purpose of generating stem cells.

Until a universal agreement is established determining when an individual is defined as a person and receives human rights (something that is not likely to occur in the near future), the debate on the creation of embryonic stem cell lines will remain controversial. However, as discussed previously, greater understanding of the science involved may result in the ability to obtain the needed cells without relying on an embryo source.
 

Monday: Part 1. The collision of science and politics

Tuesday: Part 2. Basic concepts of stem cell science

Wednesday: Part 3. Cell replacement therapy

Thursday: Part 4. Future applications of stem cell treatment

Friday: Part 5. The ethics of stem cell use.

Saturday: Part 6: Medical Tourism: seeking cures around the world.

You can email me at phillyscienceguy@gmail.com  or visit my website Science in my life. This series is adapted from a book manuscript in progress on The History, Science, and Politics of Stem Cells.