• Question: what do you think about the ethics for stem cell reserch

    Asked by 06knightj to Laura, Lily, Mark, Paul, Sarah on 17 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Lily Asquith

      Lily Asquith answered on 16 Jun 2010:

      I haven’t thought about it that much before.

      I know that people are afraid that growing embryos for their cells is basically like farming humans. I don’t agree with that. I don’t think an embryo is a human. These embryos are literally just bunches of cells. They are not babies. I wouldn’t choose a bunch of cells in a petri dish over a little child with leukemia or a young man who couldn’t feel anything below the neck after a motorbike accident.

      I’d be interested to hear what other people have to say though. I’m sure there are good arguments for both sides.

    • Photo: Mark Roberts

      Mark Roberts answered on 16 Jun 2010:

      I think that the power that they have to do good in terms of new cures and a better understanding of disease means that we really should use them.

      There are issues about how far we let them develop before we stop and I think that is where the ethics are fuzzy and I’m not really sure what the answer should be but I do think scientists should be using these tools – after all at that stage they are just a ball of cells not a human

    • Photo: Laura Maliszewski

      Laura Maliszewski answered on 17 Jun 2010:

      For a lot of ethically difficult research areas, I’ve been really impressed by my fellow scientists. In stem cell research, molecular genetics and now in synthetic biology the researchers have asked to be evaluated and regulated by their governments so that science is done responsibly.

      Particularly in stem cell research, the UK has a great system of approvals, checks and balances to ensure that work is done ethically and designed so that the benefits are larger than the risks.

    • Photo: Sarah Bardsley

      Sarah Bardsley answered on 17 Jun 2010:

      Good question. There are two types of stem cell research. The first uses stem cells taken from adults. The second uses stem cells from embryos. It is this second type that particularly attracts controversy. Supporters believe it could have a fantastic impact on medicine, helping lots of people who suffer from a range of diseases and conditions like those who are paralysed and can’t walk. Other people think that the use of embryos could devalue life. I believe the research is vitally important because the benefits could be great.

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