Human Stem Cell Research

By Barrett Duke - Feb 6, 2006 - 1

Today, there is considerable confusion about stem cell research. Lately, especially, I have noticed that people are not making distinctions between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells when they talk about this issue. This is very disturbing. There is actually significant difference between these two stem cell groups. For one, embryonic stem cells can only be obtained by destroying human life. Adult stem cells can be obtained from many sources, from umbilical cord blood after a baby is born to a person’s nasal passages, and myriad other places in the human body that do not require the death of the person to obtain them. Second, embryonic stems cells have not demonstrated any capacity to heal disease or injury in humans. On the other hand, adult stem cells have already provided real regenerative help to people suffering from a number of physical maladies, including the regeneration of damaged heart muscle and the reversal of diabetes.

The fellows of the Research Institute of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission have grown increasingly concerned about the confusion between embryonic and adult stem cells. In order to help bring clarity to this important subject, the Research Institute held a forum on stem cell research at Lipscomb University, in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 22, 2004. Five of our Fellows spoke on the issue from their areas of expertise. Dr. Ben Mitchell spoke about the issue from a bioethical perspective, Dr. Steve Lemke looked at the implications of stem cell research from a philosophical perspective, Dr. Richard Land offered a theological understanding, Dr. Daniel Heimbach discussed public policy ramifications, and Dr. Jerry Sutton spoke about stem cell research from a pastor’s perspective.

The Research Institute’s Statement on Human Stem Cell Research is the result of that forum. This statement provides some much-needed clarity on the subject of stem cell research. The Statement makes clear our enthusiasm about the prospect of adult stem cell research and its resulting therapies to bring amazing relief to millions of suffering people. In contrast, our Statement rejects the immoral practice of embryonic stem cell research. It is fraught with ethical problems. Any good that may come from this avenue of research will be forever morally tainted. We are very pleased to contribute to the current debate on stem cell research with this Statement. We trust that as people look more closely at this issue, they will agree that adult stem cell research is the only life-affirming stem cell research.

Further Learning

Learn more about: Life, Stem-Cell Research, Science

1 comments (post your own) feed

1 On Jan 17th, 2008, at 5:58pm, James Jennings wrote:

I feel stem cells are the wave of the future.  However it is proven adult stem cells which can duplicate in our own bodies are asafe source for aiding in health benefits.  There is research listed at http://www.getupandgo.semtechbiz.com on how diet and an algae can be eaten and assist in the total adult stem cell generation in adults, saving us from unethical practices.

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