OPINIONAdult stem cell research offers major ethical potential, unlike work on embryonic stem cells, writes John Hanafin
THE IRISH Council for Bioethics, which called yesterday for legislation to provide for embryonic stem cell research in Ireland, has made a negative and unproductive response compared to advocacy for adult stem cell research which is both ethical and scientifically promising.
In calling it the "gold standard" for research purposes, they are in fact like alchemists of old attempting to turn base metal into gold. Their recommendation goes against the proven clinical and real application success that adult stem cells produce. In fact, the applications of adult stem cells saw the first clinic opened in Germany by Xcell in Cologne.
The use of embryos opens the question of constitutional challenge as it infringes Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution. It is a step backwards and does not represent progress as claimed.
The Supreme Court has not yet given a ruling. There is no possibility of the X case ruling having any bearing on the use of embryos. It also ignores recent studies where patient-matched pluripotent stem cells were generated without recourse to unethical methods that destroy human embryos.
In the UK, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill making its way through the British House of Commons is a lethal and unwarranted attack on human dignity with profound implications. Among its proposals, the Bill permits scientists to create embryos that would be part-human, part-animal.
The Bill also makes provision for "saviour siblings". This would allow for children to be created for the sole purpose of helping to treat a sick sibling. First, it would involve pre-implantation testing of numerous human embryos to find a match for the existing sick brother or sister. The embryos deemed suitable would then be implanted in the womb of the mother, in the hope a baby would be born with a cure for the sibling. Needless to say, the embryos that fail to match the needs would be routinely destroyed.
It is not overstating the case to say that this will inevitably sanction the creation of "spare-part children".
What is taking place in Britain begs some questions. Where are we going as a society? What do human rights mean any more? Surely we meddle with the miracle of human life at our peril? Is it surprising there is growing disregard for human life when we do not value it at its most fragile beginnings?
Every one of us looks forward to the day when there are cures for chronic conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. There has been saturation coverage on the potential of stem cell therapies in finding such cures. Much of it, however, has glossed over the crucial distinction between embryonic stem cell research, (which destroys living human embryos) and ethically uncontroversial adult stem cell research. And it is in adult stem cell research where all the breakthroughs are taking place. The latest research from Kyoto University in Japan and the University of Wisconsin in the US shows scientists have managed to create stem cells from skin cells with similar qualities to those used to justify embryonic research, without any recourse to destroying human life.
Without question, most practitioners in the scientific field are extremely reputable. But there are always those willing to push the boundaries regardless of the consequences. In Britain, it appears as if the government and Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority are prepared to sanction almost any dubious endeavour, provided the scientists are willing to reassure the public that due regard was given to all "ethical considerations" whether or not this is the case.
The fact that the creation of human-animal hybrid embryos is an affront to human dignity doesn't seem to matter at all. In the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, it appears the end justifies the means with one simple proviso - regardless of what the practice actually entails, it must be presented as ethical, necessary and progressive.
This underlines the complete absence of any principle when it comes to defending life. Senior British ministers Ruth Kelly, Des Browne and Paul Murphy deserve much credit for the stance they have adopted in opposing key aspects of this latest Bill.
Instead of destructive embryo research, Ireland should aim to become a world leader and centre of excellence for adult stem cell research, which is scientifically promising and ethically non-controversial. Rather than destroying some lives to prolong others, we need to look for cures we can all live with.
Senator John Hanafin is a Fianna Fáil Senator on the Labour panel and a pro-life supporter