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A Matter of Health

Stem cell research and politics

by Ruth SoRelle, MPH

On two dreary, rainy weekend days in late November, an auditorium full of scientists, physicians, advocates and ethicists not only attended a full discussion of the ethical, legal and scientific controversies surrounding human embryonic stem cells and their use in research, they really listened.

The breaks between sessions were talk fests, with clumps of people gathered around the previous speakers, discussing the latest information or the opinions. The opinions varied widely, which made for an excellent conference.

What came through, along with the diversity of opinion, is the enthusiasm that such work can generate. It is also a measure of how new the information presented is.

A frequent remark was, "I didn't know they had gotten that far. I did not know they could do that now."

However a measure of dismay also tinged the meeting because the political dialogue in the United States, along with other nations, has derailed important work that might already have been accomplished. The fear that important work that could save lives will occur outside the confines of this nation is palpable as is the concern that we will lose young researchers who might create new and important therapies here.

To be blunt, it is unclear whether the work will progress as fast as necessary if it has to be undertaken elsewhere. The United States has long been the leader in funding and pursuing biomedical research. Scientists from around the world have flocked here because it presents the best atmosphere for the best research.

As William Brinkley, PhD, dean of the Baylor College of Medicine Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, said during his wrap-up speech, "We are left with the notion that human embryonic stem cell research and its remarkable potential for medical science stands at a pivotal, but uncertain, threshold. The title of this conference "Saving Lives or Crossing Lines" accurately reflects the diversity of opinion that exists in America today.

Brinkley said that the debate over this promising new field should and will continue. In a way, it is an extension of the debate over abortion, which has divided this nation in ways that few other topics have.

No matter where you stand on the issue, the genuine concern of researchers about the patients they might benefit stands clear. One basic scientist advised keeping someone who might benefit from embryonic stem cell research in mind. He does as he goes about his work with cells and pipettes and reagents in the laboratory.

The other mistake would be to overpromise. Raising hopes without a sound basis in understanding would also be a mistake. Research is only at the beginning of understanding how to use human embryonic stem cells and it will take much exploration to make clear where, how and if they can be used to treat or cure human disease. That they can be used in this way is not yet proven, and that should be made clear.

As Brinkley said, the world stands at a crossroads, and it will be a difficult one. I hope we do not end up as did the protagonists of Robert Frost's famous poem, "The Road Not Taken." The final stanza tells it all:

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

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