(This is part 4 of 4. See the third entry here, the second entry here, or the first entry here)
The desire is to give science the benefit of any doubt. This is especially the case when proponents of embryonic stem cell therapy claim cures of great magnitude. In the Spring of 2005, the National Academies prepared a set of ethical guidelines for human embryonic stem cell work. This would seem like a very positive thing – an ethical standard to guide the research. However these guidelines included some very disturbing points. The report provided a warning against combining human embryonic stem cells with non-human primates. The report continued in stating that the combination of embryonic stem cells from humans and non-primate animals should be allowed but breeding of the resulting hybrids should be restricted. [11]
Recently, the scandal involving South Korean stem cell researcher Hwang Woo-suk has brought a new, and unwelcome, light to the way this research is being conducted. While the alleged fraud involves therapeutic cloning, its impact really falls across the board. Richard M. Doerflinger, deputy director of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, said, “The Korean hoax is the most obvious symptom of a field where ethical concerns were dismissed in the pursuit of alleged miracle cures.” He continued in saying, “Lawmakers can best respond to this scandal by enacting a complete ban on human cloning, as called for by the United Nations, and by increasing government support for stem cell research that is both medically promising and morally sound.” [12] Hwang himself said that he had gotten “too much preoccupied with work and achievement” and was unable to consider ethical considerations. [13]
Dr. R. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, said that embryonic stem cell research is threatening “nothing less than human dignity.” He said, “If a human embryo can be turned into mere material for medical research, every human life is discounted.” [14] Dr. Gene Outka, the Dwight Professor of Philosophy and Christian Ethics at Yale University, spoke before the President’s Council on Bioethics concerning Ethics of Human Stem Cell Research. Outka said, “I then go on to conclude that to conduct research on embryos that creates them in order to destroy them clashes directly with the judgment that entities conceived have irreducible value.” [15]
At times my ministry involves people that have been told by medial professionals that there is little hope for a cure to their physical condition. Doctors that suggest we need more research into these diseases to identify better treatments. Adult stem cell therapy, clinical trials, and alternative treatments are explored and used by some of those I minister to. We do see results, and we praise God for each and every one of them. I truly want to see a cure for cancer. I want to see better treatment options for these patients. Ethics is about making sure we do not cross the line in our search.
When does life begin? I believe that God’s plan of creation begins when the sperm and egg meet. If you do not believe that life begins at this stage, embryonic destruction is only wasting what has the potential for life. The utilitarian can look upon the possibility of life and compare that with the possibility of cure. So which provides the greater good?
God has created all life and His Word says that He has a plan and a purpose for all of life. His plan is to prosper and not to fail. God’s Word even speaks against “spilling seed” because His desire is life. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” [16] I thank God for life.
[11] Susan Morrissey, “Ethical Stem Cell Research: Academies Provide Guidance for Work Largely Unregulated by Federal Government,” Chemical & Engineering News 83, no. 18 (2 May 2005): 10.
[12] Jeannie Baumann, Hwang Study Controversy Said to Indicate Need for Stronger U.S. Research Regulation. Washington, DC: Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research. 18 January 2006. Available from: http://www.camradvocacy.org/news_detail.aspx?id=011806A. Accessed 24 January 2006.
[13] Mary Carmichael, “Eggs, Lies, Stem Cells,” Newsweek 146, no. 23 (5 December 2005): 41.
[14] R. Albert Mohler, “A New Threat to Human Embryos–Watch These Developments Closely.” The Albert Mohler Blog. 19 May 2005. Louisville: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=73. Accessed 25 January 2006.
[15] The President’s Council on Bioethics, Ethics of Human Stem Cell Research. Washington, DC: The President’s Council on Bioethics. 25 April 2002. Available from: http://bioethics.gov/transcripts/apr02/apr25session3.html. Accessed 27 January 2006.
[16] John 3:16 (NASB)
1 Comment
10 August 2006 at 5:45 pm
Dear Brother Sean,
Thank you for taking up this very important issue, upone which many Christians are remaining silent.
Thanks also for linking to my blog. That is very kind of you.
Love in Christ,
Jeff