The Ethical Reasons for Stem Cell Research

Human embryonic stem (hES) cells are unique in their demonstrated potential to differentiate into all cell lineages. Reports by T. Wakayama et al. (“Differentiation of embryonic stem cell lines generated from adult somatic cells by nuclear transfer,” 27 Apr., p. [740][1]) and N. Lumelsky et al. (“Differentiation of embryonic stem cells to insulin-secreting structures similar to pancreatic islets, “ScienceExpress, [26 Apr., 10.1126][2]) testify to the enormous promise of ES cell research. The editorial “Disappearing stem cells, disappearing science,” by Irving L. Weissman and David Baltimore (27 Apr., p. [601][3]) emphasizes the implications of this research for human health. Weissman and Baltimore point out that hES cells are currently the most promising source of cells for tissue regeneration research. They also note that this area has enormous potential for shedding light on some of the greatest mysteries of early human development. During this same week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suddenly asked the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to cancel a planned first meeting of a committee that was to review applications from scientists seeking federal funds for hES cell research. This announcement heightens concerns that the Bush administration may eventually block implementation of the NIH's guidelines supporting this research. We hope that these fears are groundless and that the Bush administration will use this additional time to move toward support of the guidelines. Whatever the outcome, however, these delays have a real cost in terms of human suffering. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control's National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 3,000 Americans die every day from diseases that in the future may be treatable with ES-derived cells and tissues. We believe that these urgent health needs provide strong moral grounds for pursuing ES cell research. In addition, at least three ethical considerations recommend federal funding for this research. First, withdrawal of support will slow this research, but not stop it from going forward. Private organizations and overseas researchers will fill the void. In some cases, they will do so without the kinds of comprehensive ethical oversight provided by U.S. human subjects regulations. Second, prohibiting such funding will not prevent the destruction of embryos. Each year, thousands of spare embryos created in infertility procedures are routinely destroyed at the request of their progenitors. A very small number of these embryos could be used to produce immortal stem cell lines that could be grown and used for research without ever using more embryos. The relevant ethical question is whether these spare embryos will simply be thrown away or used for human benefit. Third, and finally, we note that the United States is a religiously and ethically pluralistic nation. Many of those who oppose ES cell research base their position on religious views not shared by other citizens. As much as possible, the government should try to avoid taking sides in these debates and confine itself to policies that promote public health and welfare. ES cell research within the framework of the NIH guidelines is such a policy. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1059399 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/1058866v1 [3]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.292.5517.601