Loma Linda University Faculty of Religion News
February 17, 2000
Loma Linda University ethicists respond to embryo stem cell research proposal
A recent proposal for guidelines for embryo stem cell research by the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) has prompted a response from two Loma Linda University ethicists, asking for ethically responsible science.
The guidelines proposal, announced December 2, raises complex ethical issues deserving careful consideration from a Christian perspective, says Gerald R. Winslow, PhD, professor of religion, and biomedical and clinical ethics, and dean of the Faculty of Religion.
"The issue of human stem cell research raises important new questions about the ethics of caring for human embryos prior to implantation," says Dr. Winslow.
In an e-mail to the National Institutes of Health on December 21, Robert D. Orr, MD, director of clinical ethics, School of Medicine, wrote "While the NIH has clearly given much thought to this endeavor, I believe their thinking is flawed on at least two points."
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| Robert D. Orr, MD |
The proposed NIH project would explore the potential for using animal or human stem cells--cells that have the ability to divide for indefinite periods in culture and give rise to specialized cells--for treating diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and juvenile diabetes.
The potential applications of these stem cells is expansive because these cells, when stimulated to develop into specialized cells, offer the possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissue to treat a myriad of diseases, conditions, and disabilities.
Opponents of the research object to the scientific use of pre-implanted human embryos, which have been originally developed as part of in vitro fertilization programs.
Dr. Orr, who also is a founding member of Do No Harm: The Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics, believes that the intentional destruction of human embryos in order to obtain useable stem cells is an immoral act. According to Dr. Orr, even the potential good outcome from stem cell research does not justify this immoral means.
"Some would liken this to the retrieval of organs from the corpse of a person who has been murdered. The act of murder is immoral, but the organ retrieval is an attempt to reclaim some good from this immoral act," wrote Dr. Orr.
"However, the use of embryonic stem cells which have been obtained by someone else's action of destruction of the embryo is not comparable. The embryo would not have been destroyed had it not been for the intention and purpose of the research," he continues.
"Separation of the two actions and/or the funding for the two actions does not change the ethically pertinent fact that but for the research, the embryo would not have been destroyed."
Dr. Orr's second objection is that the proposed guidelines lean heavily on the issue of consent from the embryo donor, incorrectly implying that this consent makes the act of embryo destruction morally acceptable.
"The prospect of major benefits from this type of research is exciting. And if stem cells can be obtained without the destruction of human embryos, for example from infant umbilical cord blood, or from adult bone marrow, then this research should proceed with the appropriate ethical precautions," says Dr. Orr.
Dr. Winslow acknowledges the controversial nature of the debate but urges Christians to "avoid the simplistic answers characteristic of bumper stickers and to search more deeply for the principles that best reflect biblical faith and the love of God."
Although he notes that the Adventist Church has not yet taken an official position on the issue of stem cell research, Dr. Winslow points out that the Church has already developed a considered, nuanced position on prenatal life and Christian ethics that gives guidance in this area.
"Earlier Adventist statements on abortion and assisted reproduction make it clear that Adventists are committed to the protection of prenatal human life," says Dr. Winslow.
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Gerald R. Winslow, PhD |
"Adventists believe that human life, at all stages of development,
should be treated with respect." He adds, however, that within the
Adventist guidelines already set down, "stem cell research may be
ethically permissible if proper safeguards are put in place."
Dr. Winslow cautions that articulating any comprehensive position on stem cell studies requires "careful consideration not only from the perspective of scientific and medical possibilities but also from the viewpoint of Christian principles."
According to a National Institutes of Health news release dated Wednesday, December 1, 1999, NIH respects and understands the ethical dilemma that could result because of stem cell research.
"While the potential medical benefits of human stem cell technology are compelling and worthy of pursuit, the NIH believes that this area of research should be supported in accordance with strict ethical standards."
The proposed NIH stem cell guidelines prohibit the development of human embryos specifically for research purposes and would require the informed consent of donors before unwanted embryos, developed for in vitro fertilization, are used.
"The NIH proposal to open the way for federal support of research in this area," says Dr. Winslow, "should prompt all Christians to reexamine their convictions about prenatal life in general and embryonic human life in particular."
According to the NIH, the Institute is aware of the ethical implications and has welcomed public input on the matter.
"In light of these issues, the NIH plans to move forward in a careful and deliberate way prior to funding any research using stem cells," the Institute said in its latest news release.
In an effort to help ensure that any research utilizing human embryo
stem cells is appropriately and carefully conducted, the NIH convened
a working group of the advisory committee to the director, National Institutes
of Health, to advise on guidelines and oversight for research. The working
group was composed of scientists, patients, patient advocates, ethicists,
clinicians, and lawyers. Until the final guidelines and the oversight
process are in place, the Department of Health and Human Services will
not fund research using human stem cells derived from either human embryos
or fetal tissue.
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