Researchers Extract Stem Cells from Living Embryos

Researchers have developed a new technique that allows the harvesting of embryonic stem cells without destroying the embryo. This sounds like encouraging news on the surface, because this could supposedly allow the use of embryonic stem cells without destroying any human lives (in embryo form)—that is, if the use of embryonic stem cells proves to be better than the use of adult or umbilical cord stem cells, which present fewer ethical problems (for instance, what could become of the cell(s) that was retrieved from the embryo) and have been used more successfully. There are many questions that need to be answered: Does anyone know what effects this process may have on the embryo? And is this just another way to use aborted embryos, but make it sound less immoral? Is the process dangerous to the embryo and, thus, could cause the death of a human being? After all, life begins at conception. Should humans even consider using embryos for such an experimental purpose—or is this just experimenting with human life?

Is this just another way to use aborted embryos, but make it sound less immoral?

However, even if this new technique is adopted, the debate over when life begins will only be avoided in this arena—and only temporarily, no doubt. Although we should thank God for every lifesaving medical practice, the failure to properly respect life will continue to haunt society with new scientific research and medical procedures. If you’re skeptical on what battles lie ahead in the realm of ethics and science, read The modern make-over, which appeared this week on news@nature.com.

Only a return to biblical authority will bring people back to a proper respect for human life. See our Human Life Q&A for more reading on this topic.