Chicago Sun Times Editorial - New stem cell method deserves more research

Chicago Sun Times Editorial - New stem cell method deserves more research
Copyright by The Chicago Sun Times
August 28, 2006


"This will make it far more difficult to oppose this research," said the biotech executive whose company announced it had developed a method of making embryonic stem cells without destroying embryos. His outlook was boosted by a White House statement that the new method "deserves a good look." Having last month used his first veto to block the use of federal funds for embryonic stem cell research, President Bush said he was "encouraged" by the pursuit of research techniques that don't destroy embryos.

But as promising as the new method is, requiring the removal of only a single cell from an eight-cell embryo at an early stage of development and deriving a stem cell line from it, hard-core religious conservatives found it as easy as ever to ardently oppose this kind of research. Even if the rest of the embryo retained its potential for development, they argued, the method would be anti-life in rubbing out that chosen cell's capacity to grow into a full-fledged human. There was concern the research would harm the embryo.

For all of his interest, Bush emphasized that the new method in no way resolves ethical concerns raised whenever embryos are used. And scientists on both sides of the ideological divide said more intensive research is required. "This isn't a technique that's going anywhere," said the head of a university bioethics program. But Dr. Robert Lanza, vice president of Advanced Cell Technology and leader of the research team on this project, called the results so far so encouraging that "there is no rational reason left to oppose this research."

The method formulated by Advanced Cell Technology, a Massachusetts firm, raises vital questions. For one, the quality of the stem cells that it would produce is in doubt. And what about the effect on the seven untouched cells? As it turns out, the eighth cell has been used for pre-implantation genetic testing for in vitro fertilization, and more than 2,000 babies have been born, reports the New York Times. Still more data are needed on this issue.

With so much riding on embryonic stem cell research, which could yield treatments and possibly cures for a wide range of ailments including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and juvenile diabetes, further work on the single-cell method must be supported. Like a majority of Americans, we have strongly supported stem cell research. For all the pitched concern from social conservatives over the discarding of embryos -- hundreds of which are destroyed by fertility clinics each year, without comment, after they're no longer needed -- these opponents give too little consideration for the people who are suffering or dying for want of treatments that may be in sight if the financial support is provided to develop them. An issue that goes beyond politics, it's a matter of life and death that grows more pressing with each passing day -- and each passing death.