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Ethics, research of stem cells discussed at UC

Posted on: Thursday, 4 March 2004, 06:00 CST

johnheys@wvgazette.com

The debate over stem cell research centers on one basic moral question, according to a member of President Bush's Council on Bioethics who spoke at the University of Charleston on Wednesday night.

The question involves the moral status of a human embryo - the product of sperm and egg - and what constitutes a human being, said Robert P. George, council member and Princeton University professor.

Stem cells typically are taken from days-old human embryos, a process that destroys the embryos. These cells are then grown in a laboratory, where they multiply.

The cells have the potential to become many different types of cells such as skin, bone and so on. Scientists think they can be coaxed into specific cells to repair organs or treat diseases.

George, one of three speakers Wednesday night, has taken a stand against using stem cells taken from embryos.

An embryo is one stage in human development, George argued, just as infancy, adolescence and adulthood are. An embryo is not a completely different entity from a human, he said.

"You and I were never a sperm or an [egg]," George said. "But each of us truly was an embryo."

Despite his stance, George encouraged those in the audience at Geary Auditorium to consider both arguments for and against embryonic stem cell research.

"We need to listen to each other and do our best to understand the opposing views," said George, who added that society as a whole, not individuals, must decide the issue regardless of the result.

In 2001, President Bush restricted federal funding for stem cell research to work involving only cell lines already created.

This week, scientists at Harvard University announced plans to offer access to 17 new stem cell lines developed without government money.

The new cell lines would be used at a privately funded center Harvard is planning. Other universities are developing similar programs without government funding.

The panel discussion Wednesday included a presentation by Peter Hiram Mathers, an associate professor at West Virginia University's medical school. Mathers gave a basic review of the science of stem cells and their possible uses.

Another WVU professor, Dr. Solveig Gronning Ericson, outlined some of the current clinical uses of adult stem cells in bone marrow and blood transplants.

The University of Charleston and Christ Church United Methodist sponsored the panel discussion.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

To contact staff writer John Heys, use e-mail or call 348-1254.

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