ON THE CUTTING EDGE: New Method For Obtaining Embryonic Stem Cells Without Killing The Embryo
Biology 101: Sperm and egg meet. New life forms. At least, that was the scientific consensus before Roe v. Wade. After, sperm and egg meet. Clump of cells form. Scientifically wrong, but politically correct.
For The Stiletto and others who insist upon the standard definition of when life begins, extracting stem cells from embryos – killing them as a result – is morally reprehensible. For those who believe that life begins only when the mother is 100% sure she does not want an abortion – extracting stem cells from embryos is morally correct, because there is a chance that the clump of cells may possibly one day cure a panoply of diseases.
Obviously, the twain could never meet. Until now. Scientists at California-based biotechnology firm Advanced Cell Technology have figured out a way to remove a single cell from a two-day old embryo (which has eight cells at that stage of development) for testing to detect such genetic defects as Down syndrome, and then to use that cell to produce embryonic stem cell lines. “Preimplantation genetic diagnosis” (PGD) is already standard practice at in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics, and it is highly unlikely that the one cell can develop into a person. In the 10 years that fertility doctors in the
This new development holds promise to break the impasse between those who oppose research involving embryos and those who demand it. However, there are many unknowns that need to be resolved, including:
† Are Advanced Cell Technology’s methodology and results reproducible by other researchers?;
† Can PGD be performed without reducing the cell’s ability to divide and grow into viable stem cell colonies?;
† If not, can PGD be performed on one of the cells in the colony without delaying the implantation of the seven-cell embryo into the uterus?; and
† Can the single cell be manipulated in any way to go on to develop into a viable fetus?
If nothing else, this research vindicates those who descried the headlong rush to harvest stem cells from embryos in the belief that as scientists learned more about stem cells, other – perhaps better - sources would be found.
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February 7, 2007
The Stiletto wrote:
According to information provided to the media at a press briefing by the Department of Defense, the new Army Field Manual 2-22.3 for human intelligence collector operations bans eight controversial interrogation techniques:† Forcing a detainee to be naked, performing sexual acts or posing in a sexual manner;† Placing hoods or sacks over a detainee's head, or duct tape over his eyes;† Beating, electrically shocking or burning him, or inflicting any form of physical pain;† "Water boarding" (which simulates the sensation of drowning);† Hypothermia or treatment which will lead to heat injury; † Mock executions;† Withholding food, water and medical care; ...
Joni Eareckson Tada became a quadriplegic following a diving accident in 1967. Several years later, she founded an organization called Joni and Friends (www.joniandfriends.org). They minister to people with disabilities, distributing thousands of wheelchairs to people in many countries. She is an author, speaker, singer and artist despite living in a wheelchair and depending on others for her basic necessities.
I saw Joni interviewed by Larry King. She is against stem cell research despite what many people think of its possibilities for those who are paralyzed. Christopher Reeve had been on the show previously and had an opposite viewpoint. At that time, Larry asked if Joni would be open to appearing on the show together with Chris so they could debate this issue. She said she would be eager to do so. Unfortunately, that never happened but it certainly would have been one I would have loved to hear.
Joni is very educated about the current research and has written a new book about biotechnology and ethics. It might be worth checking out because of the current debate.
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Charles Krauthammer became a quad after a car accident when he was either in college or med school. He went on to be a psychiatrist, a husband, a father and a nationally syndicated columnist and TV pundit. He, too, does not believe that nascent human life should be sacrificed so that he may walk again. Even if the research was much further along than it is now and he would be guaranteed being made whole. For his overcoming adversity to lead a rich, full - and principled - life he, is one of The Stiletto's personal heroes.
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