LeStourgeon Online

Ethical Science Wins

Pro-life ethicists have been riding the wave of success lately with the proof of pluripotency from adult (not embryonic) stem-cells. In spite of several Hollywood types’ vigorous endorsements of destroying embryonic human life in a hoped-for attempt to save other full-grown human lives, researchers have found a more immediately useful and ethically better potential for medical solutions in these adult stem cells.

These discoveries should serve as an abrupt warning and highly visible illustration that ethical does not equal anti-science. Ryan T. Anderson writes a Weekly Standard opinion piece commending the bravery and vision of President Bush on this issue. Discovery News also reports that sickle-cell mice have already been cured by this technology using stem-cells derived from their own tails. Not a single therapeutic method has been developed or is in trial from embryonic stem cells.

Bioethics is a frightening field in an age of such advanced technology. We are beyond making better tomato plants - we are now discussing making “better” people. It is time more of those who consider themselves the cultural elite begin listening to the cautious voices who, while not trying to impede progress, nonetheless caution, “Just because we can do something, does not mean that we should do something.” The result of the “stem-cell wars” demonstrates that we can still conduct ethical scientific inquiry. We can both enjoy progress and honor the dignity of all human life.

Posted by blestou on December 12th, 2007 — Illustration, Science, News, Culture, Tech, Politics, Doctrine